1SR Snaths: The Humble Beginning

Larry and J.R. are making progress on developing the 1SR snath. After endless hurdles with building codes and local politics, they are finally able to use the building for the woodworking division, to some extent at least. They are using Bird's Eye Ash, from a specialist tool handle wood supplier in Kentucky, to make the first run of 1SR snaths. The blacksmithing will have to be done in a separate new building, currently under construction. I have been a huge fan of Larry's broad fork, for quite some time, and I am very happy to be partnering with him in developing a series of scythe related products, exclusively for One Scythe Revolution. First and foremost, is the 1SR snath. In my 12 years of experience with mowing and farming with a scythe, and the 7 years of experience in teaching scythe workshops and individual customers on my farm, I have come to realize that the best of the available snaths in the world, so far, can be improved on in both fit and function, and also quality of construction. Our goal is to design a snath that transfers the force generated by your body motion, as directly and efficiently as possible to the cutting action of the blade. A snath to power the One Scythe Revolution. Will we succeed?

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After I ok'd the initial prototype that they sent me (see the video of the first prototype above), they have gone ahead and started to figure out how to mass produce them. Our first line of snaths will be sawn out. A future, more expensive line will be steam bent. A company that steam-bends shovel handles, is very interested in doing that for us. 

Figuring out how to manufacture a new product can be a long and complicated process. Larry and J.R. designed a special router bit for the adjustment grooves, and had it custom made by an American company for them. Then they designed and built a custom table for the router. The first test on a 2x4 came out a perfect fit!

Wouldn't that make a nice Father's Day gift!

The 1SR Snath: update June 3rd

Larry sent these photos to me today. Larry and J.R. are starting the first production run. Slowly, but surely.

The 1SR Snath: update June 8th