Just arrived: A brand new blade model for the summer of 2010

New for 2010. 75cm (30in.) long, 50 mm wide, 495g. This new model is the result of a research and development project conducted by Gerhard Wagner, consulting engineer for the SFX factory. His goal was to design a new scythe blade that mows the most efficiently.

 It has a moderate hook-nose, so that it has the same angle of penetration as the other blades, but at a more open hafting angle. So as the cutting action starts, the initial curve of the hook-nose, quickly fans the grass stems out evenly along the length of the blade, so that the entire length of the cutting edge becomes equally engaged in the cutting action, gradually shifting from a shearing, to a powerful slicing action. As a result, this blade cuts more per stroke for it's length, than our other style of blades. It requires a bit more finesse to mow with, though. It has a very subtle belly and rocker, so you have to have the lay of the blade adjusted just right, otherwise the hook-nose can dig in. Also, the moderate hook-nose means that you have to add a bit more twist to your mowing motion, when you mow with a side-shift. While this will shorten the overall length of your scythe stroke, overall it will require less physical energy per stroke, so you will have the energy to mow a larger area. You can mow quickly and athletically, or just take it really easy and rest and let the blade do the work. It has an amazing slicing action. The 50mm width enables it to have a bit of a belly, which makes the hook-nose easier to control over uneven ground.
  It is made to be as streamlined, and light as possible. It has a very low rib, to save weight, yet has good stiffness. It is intentionally plain; it has no paint or stickers to slow it down. The black paint is quite thin, and actually just a rust-proofing, I think, for the tang area. It wears off on the bottom of the blade very quickly. The bottom is lightly polished, so that it slides like your favorite old blade, right from the start. Extra attention is paid to the edge, even the corner of the beard is already rounded off for you. Triple-peened and ready-to-mow. Best for mowing well-maintained hayfields. If you're serious about making a lot of hay, this may be the blade for you. 75cm is the longest length made so far. We hope to stock longer lengths when they become available.