I'm new to Permies.com and I'm intrigued to see the scythe making a return to our collection of useful tools. I grew up in Scotland in the 50s and 60s and the scythe was still in regular use on the small farms in Border hill country. Of course they had tractors, mowers and threshers too, but I remember that a skilled person with a scythe could cut a prodigious amount hay. The key was getting your action right, so that you didn't tire quickly. I'm keen to try out the scythe on my 4 acres of grass in Trinity Co, California, where wildfires are such a risk. I'm now into my middle 60s and I'll be interested to see if I can still do it! Winning a copy of the book in the draw will help me on my way!
