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[sjc <indexer AT fairpoint.net>]

Robert Walton wrote:
> .......I know we've discussed this, but I forget. I'm thinking that a
> straight snath is what is easier to work with. What length of scythe
> is best for cutting grass/grains?
>   
I use what's called a 'ditch' blade, mine is 28".

There are heavy blades called 'bush' or 'brush' blades, usually those 
are short and heavy, and the stronger of them can be used on anything up 
to small saplings.  We had/used one when we first set this place up but 
I didn't see the need to replace it after the fire; we don't have that 
much rough stuff to get rid of anymore.  Goats are easier anyway :)

Then comes the 'ditch' blades, which are lighter and longer.  I was 
about 5'4" when I got my first 28" blade, which I use with a curved 
snath.  I recently ordered a new snath for it (the surgery I had on one 
leg recently will be matched soon on the other side, and I will then be 
about 5', so old snath on the long side) but will stay with the same 
blade.  It's a good midweight for the yard (grass, white clover), 
trimming, clearing up around the buildings, and does a fine job on hay.  
Ditch blades do come some longer than mine, I think up to about 30-32" 
or so; if I were taller that might be my choice.

Lightest of all are the 'grass' blades, and they are very lightweight 
(read: No rough stuff with these babies or you'll spend a lot of time 
working over your blade) and come really long, up to 36" or so.  If you 
have the very nicest of hay, and no tough old weeds, might go that route.

For here, where new rocks work their way up through the surface every 
year and I want to use the same blade for everything, I've hit it about 
right with the ditch blade.  It's heavy enough that if I catch the 
bottom of a fence or bump a rock (if you're holding it right and the 
rock is just at ground level you won't hit it with the leading edge of 
the blade but with the bottom surface) or get into a batch of goldenrod, 
it sails right through.  The only time I ever really made a spot that 
had to be repaired was when I was working up by the road and hit a 
hidden piece of metal trash someone had thrown in the ditch there.  Even 
that, though, was easy enough to file/peen out. 

Best thing would be if you can go where they sell them or someone is 
using one and give it a try.

As to snath, for me curved is the only way to go, but to say the truth 
I've only tried twice to work with a straight snath and that after I was 
already used to my made-to-measure-curved snath, so not much of a 
'trial'.  Again, if you could try one out.....

I've been thinking hay, anyway, lately, as I have been repairing webs 
for a hay loader.  MOFGA is having a workshop soon on how to repair 
loose-hay loaders, so my basement if full of webbing everywhere, getting 
ready for that.

SJ, in Maine, where there are actually some bare areas of ground 
showing!  Won't be long now.