European Scythe Demo Video

Plus a bonus at the end: a lullaby I wrote just for mowing while carrying a baby on your back!



I was hoping just pasting the link would auto embed the video, but it didn't.

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A lovely song! Thank you so much for sharing that with us! 💕

I do have to express my concern about the description of the American pattern. The example you have does appear to be a heavy bush unit but could be slimmed down into a thinner, lighter form if deemed more appropriate to your needs, and could certainly be brought back to ready-to-mow shape based on what I can see, but is definitely not ready for use as it currently stands. A good weight for American snaths with average-weight hardware is 2lb 12oz to 2lb 8oz, with bush snaths left a little thicker to be able to withstand cuts to thumb-thick green woody growth without losing energy due to the snath flexing. Having some amount of weight at the business end of the scythe can actually be of benefit (within reason, that is) as it provides a flywheel effect to even out the effort curve of the stroke, allowing you to cut deeper per stroke without being bogged down or causing yourself excessive strain.

The American type is beveled by grinding only as needed, typically only a few times per season rather than daily, but still benefits from honing over the course of the day. I am of the opinion that if a blade will not cut cleanly at slow speeds with little challenge then it is in need of attention, and for me this means that I touch up my American blades every 15 minutes or so, and my European blades approximately every 5. It's a quick, light pass, but it keeps it in peak condition so that no undue effort is ever made in the actual mowing. American blades are also often slightly upwardly curved from heel to toe (known as the crown of the blade), and while the web of the blade is flat front to back they are nonetheless curved in the bead and rib that run along the back, which provide stiffness just as the dished shape of the European scythe aids in its rigidity. However, by having a flat web the edge will be less prone to changing how it rides over the course of its life, as the edge doesn't change in elevation as much as it wears.

At the end of the day a good scythe is a good scythe, and there are advantages and disadvantages to all of their many variants, including amongst the many variants of European scythes.  

I may be mistaken but it looks like you have room to move your ring a little closer to the end of the snath and it will hold its position better without being as prone to slipping out of place when accidentally snagged. It does appear to be tugging at the grass which is a common side effect of a blade that's slipped in its ring and become too open in its presentation to the grass.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of American scythes! I've only used one once, and that was an antique one with a heavy blade (similar to the one in the video). It did not wield well. I'd love to try a good one.

Fascinating conversation =) I love that people are using scythes instead of modern technology!

I've been scything since the 80's with the help of the Scythe Supply business. (I'm not at all up to date on the scene, so you'll want to do your own research for sources) That all started after I learned to use a Kama (Japanese sickle) and I still have a collection of Kamas and use them year-round (I'm in W. Oregon so snow and ice are not guaranteed at any time of the year) I also carried two children at times, although I used a "baby bundler" which is a 3 yard piece of Jersey cloth and literally ties your child to you, front or back. My son especially was a bit cranky at times, but he wouldn't last long with rythmic movement, and he'd be passed-out in ten minutes. The stretchy fabric holds the child to you firmly but flexibly. Try using a gas mower with a baby on you! I totally recommend European scythes and they have a variety of blade shapes, lengths. and purposes. Also, the whole assembly is much lighter which def. reduces fatigue. The whole assembly of a European Scythe can be little more than the weight of an American snath. I have not bought many new blades or snaths,  but most recently I got a fine Italian blade from Earth Tools in Kentucky.