I know there are other companies offering similar equipment for those who are looking for generational tools. This is geared at my experience with this company.
Ordering: they have a strong online system to fit you with an outfit. There are good directions to obtain the critical measurements. There are plenty of tutorials and blurbs on the different offerings to help a novice decide on a piece of kit.
Shipping: on-time once shipped, they admitted on their site summer is busy and (presumably) they have other stuff they are doing just like the rest of us. It took three weeks to get the package- again, this was my own fault for waiting. Packaging was efficient. It said it would come with instructions, but there weren't any. Not a big deal as long as you have internet (it's all online), and its a small issue.
Equipment:
- blades. I got a couple of new blades. Both came pre-peened. I did not use the optional sharpening service (I think it was $7) because I am cheap and want to learn on a well peened blade, so I can tell whether my peening is the issue or the sharpening. The blades, however, come with a coat of paint on them, for "protection", and it must be stripped off prior to sharpening. I wish I had understood more about that. It was a long process to remove it, and I am concerned I may have affected the peened surface in removing it. However, the blades are IMMEDIATELY and obviously better than my starter set. I would recommend a shorter blade than I started with (one of the reasons I bought a cheap starter kit, to learn this stuff), and the blurbs help out in that regard. Overall I am excited about the blades. I got a bush blade to see if I can retire my strimmer and a grass blade for larger mowing. Blades are generally $70.
-snath. The snath is very well-sanded and super light. The handles were easy to fit, and well-cut. My only gripe is that only the very bottom of the snath appears to be treated with linseed, and I will need to retreat it. I would have expected it treated much further up. I'm working in some deep grass sometimes so it may not be a common issue.
Overall, everything went pretty well. I would highly recommend them as an initial source for a novice, I could have saved the cost of a starter set.
Standing on the shoulders of giants. Giants with dirt under their nails
I purchased my Scythe last Year to keep the fruit trees and the fence line clean. I was using a gas weed-eater before my purchase. Now, I actually enjoy cutting the weeds and it has done wonders for the trees and bushes in the area. I just let the grass and weeds grow and cut it twice between Spring and Fall. Doing this acts
like, chop and drop and does wonders for water retention and soil improvement.
The blade I have is a middle of the road. I think 21" It is super light and cuts well. The best time to scythe is actually when it's drizzling or right after a rain.
I purchased a stone and a peening jig. Know that there is a learning curve to peening...do yourself a favor and set up your peening surface to be level with the top of your legs when you sit. Otherwise, it's hard
to get an even peen.
The snath size, stick that the blade goes on, is based on your cubit and the dimension from heel to hip. All of the information necessary is provided on the website. Try not to lose the wrench that tightens the blade to the snath because you have to purchase the entire kit if you need to replace just the wrench.
I recently purchased a snath from Scythe Supply, then a sharpening stone and holder this week. Both times they called me to make sure everything was correct before shipping. That is exceptional customer service. I already have a couple blades, but will soon need and better hay blade. I will be getting it from Scythe Supply. Great folks.
James 1:19-20
Not all those who wander are lost - J. R. R. Tolkien
I give this company 10 out of 10 acorns.
I ordered a couple years ago during the winter. Before sending, they contacted me to confirm my measurements: my legs are unusually long! When it arrived, I set it in the shed to wait for spring. In the mean time, one of the handles got lost. It was 100% my own carelessness, and I contacted them to purchase a new one. Darned if they didn’t just send it to me free of charge- completely unexpected, and very kind.
The scythe itself is fantastic, especially having tried an American one as a kid- I cannot mow a field evenly, but I love keeping down bamboo, poison ivy, and other small brushy things. It is actually pretty addictive once I get out there.
I give this company 9 out of 10 acorns!!
Scythe Supply gets a 9 on a 10 for me. In addition to what everybody else is saying they have really good resources as in videos as to how to use. Especially the how to peen the size. One thing I would add to the website is people that know how to peen the scythe. there's no one in my area that knows how and I have never had experience in sharpening knives or peening sythes so that is my one struggle with it. I'm not doing fine work so ends up being okay but I realized my learning curve in sharpening the scythe and peening the size is yet a mile long
Permies in Europe, any recommendations for a good top quality European Scythe manufacturer based in Europe?
I've seen Scythe Supply do ship worldwide but getting stuff through customs here is such a hassle. Yes.. I have asked google about this, however I'd much rather purchase from a recommended site and a recommended product any other permie here has used and recommends rather than hoping for a good unknown product.
Thks in advance!
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