need a scythe but confused

Hi

I'd like to get rid of the riding mower I purchased before I became aware of permaculture.  I'm hoping to purchase a scythe this year, but the weeds are growing faster than I can do my research. We started using a small sickle, but its too much work for big jobs.

I'm put off by what appears to be hype about "european" scythes working better than "american". The sharpening of the "european" seems too time consuming to be practical.  The sharpening tools seem expensive for "european".

I don't feel I have figured out what additional questions I need to ask. I'm trying not to get overwhelmed.  I'd like to figure this out, but I don't have much time as I spend it working and feel guilty taking time off to write this.

Here is what I want to do: I'm 6' and so is the other user of the scythe, but I'm left handed. The main use will be grass and pasture for rabbit and sheep food but not heavy weeds.

Hey there! Got your email, as a heads-up. I'm hitting the hay now and mowing yet still more tomorrow morning but should be able to get a good, detailed response for you tomorrow.

Long story short, a good scythe is a good scythe, and a bad one is a bad one. Both major styles, properly maintained, tuned, and used, are great--it's just a matter of where emphasis was placed in their respective designs. As you've already noticed, my overall preference is the American, but I own and use scythes from all over.