Scythette (Grass hook ?) - what is the correct technique to use this tool ?

**nickdub** · 08-10-2018, 02:29 PM

I'd call it a long handled grass hook - the blade on a scythe is at about 90 degrees to the handle. As for using it, the only real trick is to keep it sharp - either a whetstone or a power grinder - you're unlikely to get more than 5 minutes use out of one without having to re-sharpen the blade.

I like old hand tools - much quieter for one thing - but they are a fair bit of work and I suspect the steel in the modern versions is not as good as the 50 or 60 year old ones I have. Keep your eyes open at car-boots and auctions - you may be able to grab a bargain, particularly if it needs a new handle putting on.

**Bill Door** · 08-10-2018, 02:39 PM

Hi TheMidnightGrower.

I think you will have to experiment but I would suggest standing with feet apart and the grass you want to cut in front of you. Hold the scythette in the right hand with the pointy end towards the left and just swing it like a golf club. Keep the blade as close to the horizontal and the ground as possible, so you might need to bend down from the hips to do it. Try taking only small cuts at first and don't swing it too hard (you might lose control and damage something). You will have to keep sharpening the blade but you will soon find out when that is to be done. You will need to experiment as to how you stand (facing or side on) to the grass. Don't try to do too much in one go and take a few breaks to clear the cut grass. Your right arm will ache to begin with but keep at it. Oh! and don't forget your spinach!

Good luck and tell us ho you get on.

Bill

P.S. if the grass is tall and "bendy" you might need to hold a stick (a hazel branch will do) in the left hand to keep the grass from falling foul of the scythette as you gentle stroke it through the grass.

**veggiechicken** · 08-10-2018, 03:07 PM

I have one of those - acquired from freecycle in "hardly used" condition about 10 years ago. It hasn't changed much in the years I've had it cluttering up the shed.
I also have an Austrian scythe, bought on a whim after going to a Scythe Fair in Somerset. That's hardly used too.

**burnie** · 08-10-2018, 05:18 PM

I use a sickle from time to time, the best I offer is use it carefully, keep yer fingers and any other bits well out of the way.

**mothhawk** · 08-10-2018, 07:01 PM

We call them slashers round here. It's more of a hedge-layers tool, used to cut down the long grass, brambles and weeds along the bottom of a hedge or ditch bottom before laying the hedge, rather than a specific tool for grass. That would be better and easier with a scythe.

**TheMidnightGrower** · 08-10-2018, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by mothhawk View Post

We call them slashers round here. It's more of a hedge-layers tool, used to cut down the long grass, brambles and weeds along the bottom of a hedge or ditch bottom before laying the hedge, rather than a specific tool for grass. That would be better and easier with a scythe.

Thats helpful, I wondered if there were other local names. My parents used to call them 'hackers'.

No worries about the niceness of my grass, its not lawn its scrub really.
No room to swing something as large as a proper scythe.

**TheMidnightGrower** · 08-10-2018, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by Bill Door View Post

Good luck and tell us ho you get on.

Bill

P.S. if the grass is tall and "bendy" you might need to hold a stick (a hazel branch will do) in the left hand to keep the grass from falling foul of the scythette as you gentle stroke it through the grass.

Thanks for info. I guess from your comment the thing is intended to be operated with just a single hand, in a slightly more grounded Errol Flynn sort of manner, rather than both hands on the handle?
I have a suitable stick if need be. :-) I am lacking Basil Rathbone though.

I will update if I can get my sharpening technique going well enough to actually cut!

**TheMidnightGrower** · 08-10-2018, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by veggiechicken View Post

a Scythe Fair in Somerset.

Was the scythe fair interesting? I had been thinking of going next year as I thought it could be fun. Its relatively near me, but I only heard of it after it had taken place this year.

**veggiechicken** · 08-10-2018, 08:41 PM

Yes, it was worth a visit

There were scythe races, to see who could clear an area of grass the fastest, men and women, and scythe against brush cutter to clear overgrown land. Of course the scythe won!!
Some of the competitors reminded me of a Thomas Hardy novel, in long flowery frocks and big brimmed hats (that was the women,not the men

)
It was a good day out but I did get a bit carried away with the thought of scything my garden. I forgot about all the trees that stop you having a good swing.

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Scythette (Grass hook ?) - what is the correct technique to use this tool ?

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