How to Mow with a Scythe
For those of you who like to be better prepared for a scythe workshop, or for my mail-order customers that are unable to attend a workshop, I have created some virtual workshops to help you start out successfully with the Austrian scythe. Before mowing, watch the next two videos to learn the technique:
Start slow and first get a feel for the cutting action of the blade. Most people instinctively swing a scythe like a hockey stick or golf club, and chop at the grass. Your scythe is NOT designed to be used like that! It's a precision mowing tool. Keep the blade flat on the ground at all times, and slide it forward in an arc in front of you, in the direction that the tip is pointing. Start with short strokes, until you get a feel for the cutting action, (which is more of a shearing action. There's no slashing involved!) You only cut a narrow strip of grass with each stroke. When you have a feel for that, you can start to lengthen your stroke. Eventually you can lengthen your stroke to a full 180 degree arc in front of you. With practice and experience, you will develop your co-ordination, and you will be mowing "with ease", as in the video below.
