The English Scythe Revisited

In recent years in Britain there has been a revival in interest in scything based around imported Austrian scythes. But what of our traditional English scythe? Surely it must still have a role and use? This issue was explored at this years Eastern Counties Scythe Festival held at Wimpole Hall near Cambridge.

[@calebfuller4713]

Interesting. I found an old scythe hanging on a wall at my mother's house in Australia - covered in paint, snath totally rotten, fittings rusted and useless. I took the blade back to Japan (where I live), cleaned it up and sharpened it. Found I have a 24" "BY" Hutton & Co. from Sheffield. The primary bevel is on the underside. It weights in at 990g so a bit heavier than the Austrian blades. Making a curved English style snath would be a bit of a challenge, so I made a straight, European style snath from the only hardwood I could get at the local hardware store. KZbin provided sufficient reference to get the grips and angle set up fairly well. What do you know - it actually works fairly well! I'm pleasantly surprised! I used it to mow my small orchard meadow and it was quick, painless and silent. Quicker than a strimmer, and more flexible than a lawn-mower in terms of getting in close under trees. I have had a few insights into why things might have been done the way they were... especially in terms of handle placement and the bent vs straight snath. I am a bit puzzled as to why the English scythes seem to take roughly twice the time to mow an equivalent area compared to an Austrian scythe... I would expect similar times, even if the English scythe user was a bit more tired at the end. Any insights?

[@raposaraposa553]

I like the Austrian scythe, it is lighter, and much easier to use. I have around four hilly acres, heavy scythe murders my arms.

[@JimODonnellFarm]

I have one of these up in the barn; it was owned by my wife's grandfather. There seems to be a lot of interest in them now. I might try it out this summer.

[@elliottg5987]

The one at 1:42 looks exactly like the one I got a hold of a few months back. The snath is falling to bits and far too short for me (I am about 2m in boots) but the blade has life in it still. I have been mowing our suburban lot with it and while the lawn is a bit tufty it has never been so green. The tang reads: WA TYZACK CO STELLA WORKS SHEFFIELD Depsite my problems with the snath it's very pleasant to use.

[@christrickett3291]

I think I posted this on a previous one of your videos, apologies if so: My grandad grew up a farmer, he used to be able to scythe a lawn as good a Flymo could mow them. One day we went to the golf driving range and on his first ever time playing golf, his swing attracted the attention of the club pro who wondered what his golfing pedigree was, but when he found out we were from the 'wrong' social class they refused to speak to him again. Just turned and walked away.

[@user-es9nw1zk5w]

Трава очень хороша, ее очень трудно косить. Достойный показ

[@avideshmahabir8728]

I had a European style snath made, would an American blade like the Seymour work with it?

[@carlosayala6754]

I love the cutting sound.

[@MrZOMBIE170]

0:20 is that Phil Harding at the end ?

[@Kenjiro5775]

Bending over like that to mow an entire field is going to wreck your backs. The style of scythe with the raised lower handle helps keep you upright.

[@galanie]

Unsure Caleb but it does seem obvious that the Nash was not set up properly at all for the guy trying to use it.

[@barryfisher1783]

Can anyone tell me where to buy a scythe in the UK.

[@vHindenburg]

Am I stupid or dont you sell them in a hardware store ? At least in Germany they tend to be next to the axes and hatchets.

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

Seems like the English and American scythe are very similar. Makes sense, though. Similar culture. Similar applications historically.

[@chrismorrow1467]

People found newer and better ways of working as they moved. The English scythe has to be specialised to the person, requiring a blacksmith or someone with that ability. The stance is pretty tiring itself compared to the Austrian. The handles are also crap and cant be adjusted, it just doesnt sit naturally in your hands for long periods.

[@marquisdemoo1792]

The English Scythe handle clamps onto the snathe so is adjustable (see 1:55) whereas the Austrian Scythe handle is drilled into the snathe so cannot be adjusted.

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

I think it's probably better for the edges of the woods, like blackberry and raspberry canes and young trees.

[@georgcantor7172]

The fellow seen cutting grass with the English scythe at 0:42 is bent over and is painful to watch. The scythe he's using is horrible in that it's contributing to his poor body mechanics. I suspect that in a week of using that scythe, he'll be having neck, shoulder, back, hip, knee pains; and will be seeing the orthopedist.

[@VitalityMassage]

Exactly. The newer version of the Austrian scythe with the high lower handle is a very comfortable and excellent looking tool. Unfortunately, they are not cheap!

[@NWinnVR]

@@VitalityMassage When you consider they last a lifetime and compare them to a petrol powered mower that will only last a few decades, it is really quite reasonable.

[@hunterbar1094]

Yeah but scythe is life

[@hartmuthvogler6341]

habt ihr auch scharfe sensen? oh gott!

[@AnsarAli-mq9tm]

Call me