New Scythe Video

10/30/2009

I recently posted this new instructional scythe video on YouTube. The first part of the video shows the cutting action of the blade, and basic mowing form. The second part explains the advanced field mowing form that incorporates an exaggerated side-to-side weight-shift, that turns mowing with a scythe, into quest for perpetual motion. Mowing with a side-shift requires a more closed hafting angle on your scythe blade, than is commonly available. I learned this advanced technique at the 2006 International Scythe Symposium in Canada.

5 Comments

Nora

12/18/2010 11:40:05 am

This sounds a bit like paddling a canoe, using the handle as if there were a fulcrum between your hands. People who don't know how to push with one hand while pulling with the other find it quite exhausting but experienced paddlers can go almost all day.

Thanks for this!

Mike

8/28/2011 11:59:46 am

I too think of paddling a canoe as I read and watch this technique.

I was taught to paddle the canoe using the torque from my torso--a little like the untwisting motion one uses to get a lawn mower started. Using the body's core in this way one can paddle for hours and just get in a zone while almost subconsciously reading the water.

I am hoping to find the same with scything--a torso and hip unwinding with a natural side-step to create an in-the-zone rhythm while almost subconsciously reading the grass.

linda gibbs

11/1/2011 12:22:36 pm

can I buy one of these Swiss snaths?

Serg

5/29/2015 12:57:40 pm

Anybody knows where to buy one? I prefer the European style over the American one. I used to work with one in Ukraine, it's much simpler to fix and lighter weight.

Samantha

5/17/2018 07:32:29 pm

Thinking about the comments on how the motion is like
paddling a canoe...

The right hand is pushing out into the arc
and the left hand is pulling back?

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