how to choose

Hi Ian,

I bought a scythe from the local hardware store a few years ago, an Austrian blade, and I had to buy the handle separately.  I chose the curved American handle.  By now you already know what my question is going to be, I bet.

The scythe is awkward and unwieldy in my hands.  I have watched many a video. I understand the theory of it,  I think, but the tool and I together are just not having any fun.  I bought a sickle bar mower to get the vegetation cut.    A few years ago someone on Permies told me I probably did not have the right size for my height.

So, can you PLEASE give us the run down on what blades are better for what uses, and what handles go best with which blade, and how to choose for user's stature.  And how to adjust the grips to get the desired angle of cut on the grass.

There is no local person who sells or teaches scything.

I probably have a good scythe for sale, for someone ~ 6 feet or taller... American style handle with moveable grips  .  How would a person know if mine would work for them?  How do I know what to  buy that would work well for me?

A thousand thousand thanks, and welcome to Permies.

Thekla

You can adjust the nib (grip) position for your dimensions. It's a left-handed thread to keep them from inadvertently loosening in use, so turn them to the RIGHT to loosen them and LEFT to tighten them. You may find this guide useful.