permaculture

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lfl@intrex.net>]

Niels Corfield wrote:

> Scythes,
>
> Purchase one through scythe supply.
> Be aware they are novices in the area.

Hardly. Your are in the UK. I am here in NC USA and knew the founder of SS
who knew Peter Vido and was instrumental in getting Peter's new edition of
David Tresemer's scythe book published. He also successfully imported excellent scythe equipment of known quality from 
the factories in Austria. Peter's website is amazing and a real inspiration to all who might consider using a scythe but 
Scythe Supply
will sell you a scythe and all associated accessories and training aides. SS and SC really cannot do without one 
another. Credit must go where credit is due.

> For advice the best person/site is Peter Vido's: www.scytheconnection.com.
> You could email him for advice on blade selection.

I could not find any place in his website where one could buy a scythe
except the place in the UK but that is not for someone in the US who needs a 
scythe.

> For snath length how tall are you and what will you be cutting? If you 
> are six foot buy the longer snath, make sure it is adjustable.
> Bare in mind the whole endeavour will be quite expensive. Best to not 
> skimp, if you do it, do it well.
> So do acquire the peening jig, the scythe book, sharpening stone and 
> holder. It is important you buy the holder since it has to be used 
> regularly when mowing: every 10 mins or less, and because the holder 
> must be half-filled with water, for better sharpening.
> Peter Vido, ultimately is the man when it comes to the scythe. Use his 
> resources religiously!
> Everytime you read the text, or watch the video something new will 
> strike you.
> Peening is ultimately the thing of most difficulty. HOwever it is 
> essential for ultimate sharpness.
> The book will help.
> You could talk to local craft folk. ANyone that works metal can give 
> _related_ advice: panel beaters, jewelry makers, blacksmiths etc.
> Peening is forging, cold. But with the jig it is much simpler.
> The process is somewhere between jewelry making and smithing.
> Remember: *
> *
>
>     * *always support the blade* whilst peening
>     * one pass (though the jig) is enough, nightly
>     * maintain _even_ *"tension" *across the blade. Forging puts the
>       blade into tension, keep that.

You can get all this information from Scythe Supply too.

> You can also talk to Simon Fairlie in the UK, 
> http://del.icio.us/entrailer/Scythes he is very helpful chap.

Scythe Supply
496 Shore Road
Perry, Maine, 04667
207-853-4750
info@scythesupply.com
http://www.scythesupply.com/