Long ago, lawns were cut with scythes and the results weren’t half bad. While progress has brought a shorter sward, grass cutting has not become more enjoyable. A quick look through The Scything Handbook, by Ian Miller, leaves us with no doubt that scything is not only a different way to trim, but a new way of life.
Smoothing the ground of disturbances is done in spring, before scything begins.
The Austrian scythe is lighter, smaller, and more popular than its English counterpart.
Sharpening the blade with a whetstone keeps things running smoothly.
Scything is fantastic exercise for the core muscles.
At the end of a session, the blade is cleaned with newly cut grass.
Another view of the Austrian scythe.
A rake is helpful for gathering rows of grass.