Scything Part Two

I’m starting to understand why the scythe has a sort of cult status among it’s aficionados. After a few hours of scything I’m not surprised that there is more than one scythe festival held in Britain each year.  This one has a good slide show. The third annual  West Country Scythe Festival and Competition was a big success with over 1000 people in attendance. Prizes were given for fastest cut, closest cut, for women, for kids and for over seventies.
So why is the scythe held in high regard by this small but enthusiastic group?
First: it’s a very effective tool. Amazing really how it slices through tall thick grass and cuts it off as close to the ground as you can maneuver the blade. I’m no longer worried about the lawn mower breaking down.
Second: it’s good exercise. You do get a sort of dance move going as you get into the rhythm of the movement. You’re working. It’s not effortless. But it’s not work like digging or picking or even wielding a chopping maul or scratching dirt with a hoe. Twisting at the waist done with enough frequency will surely affect the waistline. It’s more like aerobics. Fun.
Third: it’s quiet. Although the blade makes a wonderful swishing sound as it knifes through the grass and a kind of ping when you cut something a bit thicker.
Fourth: you get breaks. All the experts recommend that you hone the blade every five minutes. This means stopping, tuning the tool upside down, grabbing a big handful of grass to wipe the blade and stroking each side of the blade with a natural stone. The stone is carried in a small water filled scabbard that hooks to your belt or pocket.
Fifth: It’s safe. No possibility of burns. No smelly fuel. No exhaust to inhale. I scythed barefoot on my first try. Because the blade is at the end of a longish staff (snath) you would have to work hard to cut your foot or leg. One must be a bit careful when honing.
Finally, it’s addictive in a good way. I find myself looking for excuses to grab the scythe and head outside. Haven’t tried it at dawn yet but in the evenings I find a hour of scything is very relaxing and energizing.  Maybe in a few years I’ll be ready to go for that over seventy prize at the West Country Scything Festival or at least a prize for traveling the farthest to get there. I’ve already ordered scythe number two—a brush blade, shorter and thicker for trimming closer to trees and shrubs. It’s easier to control.
Got this one from  these guys.