The Scythe: Setting Up and Perfecting Your Mowing Technique
The Country Smallholder|Spring 2025
Andrea Gilpin focuses on the scythe and scythe technique
Andrea Gilpin
The Scythe: Setting Up and Perfecting Your Mowing Technique

In the previous article, (The Country Smallholder March 2025), we explored the enduring appeal of scything, from its versatility to its role in land management. Now, let’s delve into the practicalities of setting up your scythe and the essential mowing techniques that will ensure efficient and enjoyable use.

SETTING UP YOUR SCYTHE

Austrian and other modern scythes are renowned for their lightweight design and adjustability, but they still require proper setup to perform at their best. Here’s a few tips to ensure yours is tailored for a comfortable, ergonomic fit:

* Attaching the handles to the snath

Unlike tools such as scissors, the scythe is not considered to be a handed tool. Left and right-handed people are able to use the same scythe with comfort.

* To fit the Right Hand/Lower Grip:

Place the bottom end of the snath on the ground beside you. Bend your leg up, locate your greater trochanter (the bony protrusion at the top of your thigh). Attach the grip to just above this point.

* To fit the Left Hand/Upper Grip:

この記事は The Country Smallholder の Spring 2025 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Country Smallholder の Spring 2025 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE COUNTRY SMALLHOLDERのその他の記事すべて表示
Share in the therapy sheep experience
The Country Smallholder

Share in the therapy sheep experience

The chance to win one of ten books in a series designed to empower young minds where 'Merlin finds his magic'

time-read
2 分  |
Spring 2025
What uses are their for cockerels?
The Country Smallholder

What uses are their for cockerels?

In this issue we want to touch on a subject that may ruffle a few feathers, but as a national charity helping 60,000 hens year in and year out we believe the topic merits some hard facts and an appeal for your support as readers of a popular poultry magazine.

time-read
5 分  |
Spring 2025
All About Grafting - an historic form of propagation
The Country Smallholder

All About Grafting - an historic form of propagation

Lee Senior explains the top technique for gaining increased vigour, disease resistance, yield and speed

time-read
6 分  |
Spring 2025
Time to get seed sowing
The Country Smallholder

Time to get seed sowing

Kings Seeds give a guide to a flourishing veg patch that starts in spring

time-read
2 分  |
Spring 2025
Welcome to our feature on alpacas!
The Country Smallholder

Welcome to our feature on alpacas!

We've asked experts to share their knowledge with us on keeping alpacas, their handling and their fleeces.

time-read
3 分  |
Spring 2025
Getting Your Bees!
The Country Smallholder

Getting Your Bees!

Claire Waring looks at how you can obtain your first colony and become a beekeeper.

time-read
6 分  |
Spring 2025
The springtime pecking order
The Country Smallholder

The springtime pecking order

Spring brings new life and fresh challenges to the coop. Cara Wheeldon discovers how to smoothly introduce new birds, curb bullying, and keep your flock happy and harmonious with help from expert advice.

time-read
6 分  |
Spring 2025
Keep the date of Sunday 8th June free for an Open Farm Sunday near you
The Country Smallholder

Keep the date of Sunday 8th June free for an Open Farm Sunday near you

But could you open your smallholding or farm and take part in this event that brings farmers and consumers together?

time-read
2 分  |
Spring 2025
A wheelbarrow is an essential tool on any smallholding, but what is the best choice for a smallholder?
The Country Smallholder

A wheelbarrow is an essential tool on any smallholding, but what is the best choice for a smallholder?

Wheelbarrows come in all shapes, sizes (and price ranges too). After years of rusted tubs, flat tyres and strained muscles, Hugh and Fiona have distilled the right choice of wheelbarrow into five simple choices.

time-read
4 分  |
Spring 2025
The Hamburgh, an old British light breed from the North
The Country Smallholder

The Hamburgh, an old British light breed from the North

Victoria Roberts BVSc MRCVS tells how Yorks and Lancs came together to produce an attractive breed and a useful layer

time-read
2 分  |
Spring 2025