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[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

> > I'm thinking that a
> straight snath is what is easier to work with. What length of scythe
> is best for cutting grass/grains?
> 

IMO a curved snath is far easier to work with.  

A grass blade is long.  28" minimum.  There are two types of blades, drop 
forged and damasked.   The drop forged ones are cheaper, usually by far.  
They 
take a keen edge but don't hold it.  A damasked blade is lighter, usually 
thinner, and is made by hammering together several layers of soft metal with 
hard 
metal.  The result is a blade that is easy to hone but keeps an edge for a 
long 
time.

In use in the field the edge of the blade will bend and the purpose of the 
stone is not to grind away more of the blade but rather to strop out the bend 
(the 'bead' or 'wire') restoring the very sharp edge straight out.  
Eventually 
the honed and stropped edge wears off and you then shape the edge again.  
Eventually the edge becomes rounded and you peen the edge back flat with a 
peening 
jig, or if you develop the skill, with a small cross-peen hammer and and 
anvil 
(recommended).  

The above only applies to damasked blades.  Hard steel blades have to be 
shaped with the stone to a new edge when they are dull.

Main rule in using a sythe to cut grass:  Don't loft it!  Keep the heel on 
the ground at all times.

James