Strimmer troubles

[phil55494]

I think the police might be called in if they see someone wandering around with a bloody great scythe

That could be the problem if the scythe is all bloody.

Are they easy to use for a complete beginner? I wonder about getting a short bladed one for all the rough grass at the plot.

[grahamhobbs]

Scythes are good for largish fairly level areas, no good if there are uneven clods of earth underneath, sudden changes of level, or in small narrow areas. Ideally you are taking a sweep through almost 180deg about 5 foot in radius. The technique is not to chop, nor to lift the scythe, it should sweep just touching the ground at all times. You take sweeping cuts of about 6" into the grass each time. Assuming you are right-handed, you start with the scythe to your right, with your right leg bent, then as you sweep the weight transfers to your left leg, which bends whilst the right straightens. The most important thing is for the blade to be very carefully sharpened to razor like sharpness and to remember not to lift the scythe, but to sweep. It is extremely satisfying and quick when you get the technique.

[frozenthunderbolt]

Are they easy to use for a complete beginner? I wonder about getting a short bladed one for all the rough grass at the plot.

Yep. having only read in John Seymour's books about their use and construction I picked up a dull(ish) showpiece from the barn of a place we were house-sitting for and had no problem picking up the technique within about 3 minutes, effectively cutting sheep food on flat and slope despite sub-optimal sharpness.