Who else uses a scythe?

[FortyTwoBlades]

[/URL][/IMG]

[/URL][/IMG]

[/URL][/IMG]

Found these at the local antique mall thought they were cool

Any chance I could persuade you to part with them?

Seriously, those'd go great with the other printing blocks in my collection.

 

[Axe nut]

Afraid not my axe/scythe/ any vintage tool addiction is beginning to spread into advertising😜😜 much to the dismay of my wallet

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Hahaha--well, know that if you ever feel compelled to rehome it all you have to do is drop me a line.

On a related note, check out this 1861 gem. A brochure from Harvey Waters of Northbridge, MA, illustrating the range of curve profiles he was able to furnish, with notes on the regions in which they were most popular and the terrain on which they were best suited. It was printed on incredibly delicate paper not unlike single-ply toilet paper--it's a miracle it survived to the current day!

 

[Axe nut]

Will do if the need ever arises 42 blades also wowzers on the add, very cool and a small miracle it survived

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

An extremely rare illustrated David Wadsworth & Son price list from 1893. This is actually the first document of any kind I've been able to find from the company, and I was lucky enough to add it to the collection.

 

[BG_Farmer]

In the first set of scythes (Waters), it is impressive how subtle the differences are. I would have a hard time choosing one on the information given.

The Wadsworth Dutchman pattern is about what I've always imagined I'd like if available!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I generally like the curved heel style. Dutchman blades are quite enjoyable for mowing in conditions rife with mixed weedy growth where you have between an 80/20 to 60/40 mix of grass to weeds and/or reedy grasses.

 

[BG_Farmer]

I think ole bendy (my current blade) is either curved heel or deep curve. My guess is they're all usable, but the smart mower knew which one he needed!

The conditions you cite for the Dutchman are exactly what I call "organic hayfield" .

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Yeah--they're all better matched to different strokes that are more conducive to certain mowing conditions. I like the curved heel because you get a lot of control over your edge engagement and a nice little clinching push cut at the end for anything tough/thick that the more gradual slice opened up but didn't quite take care of. A slight flare to the heel in a narrow Dutchman-like style helps with thick juicy stuff like thistles.

 

[Bladite]

Oooooh nice doc

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I've got a few others to scan but those two were the big finds. Lovely illustrations and some excellent information in the Waters one.

 

[rjdankert]

DELETED better video posted.

Bob

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

That's Ashley Vido.

 

[Steve Tall]

Click the image below to see the video.



Bob

A better link:

[video=youtube;PQVWj_vWJPw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQVWj_vWJPw[/video]

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

That flat ground and lush vegetation are a scyther's dream, by the way. It's hard to think of nicer mowing conditions.

 

[Steve Tall]

Here's a relatively new one I just noticed today, with the title:
Scything "crop circles":

[video=youtube;7TcaxJRk0oY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TcaxJRk0oY[/video]

 

[Square_peg]

She knows her tool well in order to swing so close to the ground without ever striking it. That's impressive.

 

[G-pig]

Hahaha--well, know that if you ever feel compelled to rehome it all you have to do is drop me a line.

On a related note, check out this 1861 gem. A brochure from Harvey Waters of Northbridge, MA, illustrating the range of curve profiles he was able to furnish, with notes on the regions in which they were most popular and the terrain on which they were best suited. It was printed on incredibly delicate paper not unlike single-ply toilet paper--it's a miracle it survived to the current day!

Have you yet come across one of these types of blades to use, in the 38"ish range?

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'll need to check a few of the recent acquisitions but I think all of the ones I have that are that long are really old ones that are either fatally damaged or I'm retaining for the collection. Just picked up a new old stock Rixford "Golden Clipper" that's 37" end to end.

 

[John A. Larsen]

I just watched an old (1930's) Finnish film of some farmers getting ready to work a field. Take some blades to the blacksmith who works on them. Then use what looks to be long strips of wood, maybe from a branch to secure the blade to the handle. The handle is of a different shape, more rounded. At about 5 minutes you can see their technique, looks like the roll the handle over in their hands, as the cut in both directions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=30APRyNWwdM