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[SJC <indexer AT localnet.com>]

Lisa wrote:
> ...My husband actually tried the scythe last year, after the discussion James
> led. We determined that the one we had hanging on the barn wall (for at
> least a dozen years) 
Lisa, is that perhaps an American-style scythe?  They are murderous to 
use, in addition to the fact that the metal is a pain to work with 
(can't easily be sharpened in the field, needs wheel).  What you want to 
work with (for any size job at all) is a European or Austrian scythe.  
Only places I know of that still sells those blades are Marugg (TN) and 
Scythe Supply.  Maybe go to their webites and compare with your scythe?
> needed to be sharpened more than it was. Husband almost
> threw out his back in the process of using it, he never quite got the hang
> of it, 
American=difficult to learn right, European=much more intuitive 
movement, much easier on body, can do all day, pleasant exercise even if 
work!  I have severe scoliosis (have lost 4" in height since age 20), 2 
back accidents (auto, fall) that crushed vertebrae in lower and in 
lumbar spine and I can still fairly comfortably use my scythe for long 
periods, albeit with some care.  One thing to pay attention to is to 
have a snath that has been adequately fit to one's body.  Sharpening is 
easy, quick, done in the field with a handheld stone, and readily 
becomes a part of the very pleasant rhythm of the work.  If you have an 
Ausrianan blade and a decently-fit snath and still aren't 'getting it', 
10 minutes' observation/help from someone who successfully uses a scythe 
should do the trick...don't give up! 
> though if/when a gallon of gas becomes $10+ we'll have more
> incentive.
>
> The not-so-distant future is going to be very Interesting.
>
>   
So true.  I'm a-watchin'.....

Susan Jane, inside enjoying a badly-needed soaker; hopefully now some 
sprouting will occur out there.....