permaculture

[Steve Hart <stevenlawrencehart@gmail.com>]

LL our man on the ground in Austria who offers workshops anywhere is Erwin
Zachl. We visited him a few months ago. If there is anything to add here
I'm sure he will comment...Greatb tool great subject...Steve Hart

On 29 December 2014 at 10:01, Lawrence London <lfljvenaura@gmail.com> wrote:

> [attn: Donka, Steve, Bob, Scott]
>
> The Styrian or Austrian scythe blade is power hammered to shape with a
> feathered edge that has a thin area ground to "factory" sharpness along the
> edge. The blade owner then peens the edge to further feather it as needed
> then makes some passes with a field stone to put the final edge on the
> blade. If you nick or bend this edge during use you take it to the log with
> a tiny anvil embedded in it, run the blade along the anvil as you use a
> peening hammer to draw it out to the original feathered edge, then make a
> few passes with the field stone for extra sharpness. Moral: don't grind out
> the nicks or bends, return the blade to its original shape with
> field-useful edge by peening.
> This tool is called the lightweight Austrian scythe with straight wooden
> snath. There are many types of blades used in this scythe system, each one
> used for a different purpose, for terrain like ditches or swales, grass hay
> mowing, even household lawns (that's how I mow mine). As for wooden snaths
> (there are many made out of aluminum or steel and they are OK), the fellow
> who supplied all my blades cuts a tree limb and makes his snaths from them.
> He is from Slovakia and goes to Europe each year to participate in events
> and gatherings celebrating the preservation of traditional scythe use in
> Europe and elsewhere. This tool is popular in Turkey. Some types of blades
> manufactured for their use are named Turkensense. The Chinese could
> certainly manufacture good blades and may even be doing that for export
> nowadays. Rice growing is a religion in Vietnam. They harvest it with a
> rice knife or sickle. In Thailand they use a rice knife or very small
> slightly curved machete or Thai sickle.
>
> I think these are images of that type of sickle or small curved machete:
>
> https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GqBG-H8Dptg/Tx-MTs1EYVI/AAAAAAAAAXM/Y1W7-d1OGq0/w528-h771-no/32046897.HappinessNorthSikkimcopy.jpg
> This is the short slightly curved Thai-type sickle used in Thailand; this
> location may be China
>
> https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EIzs8Tsyr30/Tx9H6dZrwkI/AAAAAAAAAOU/0tAmllmD9wA/w450-h600-no/63500429.6vnlAwoA.IMG_7408%2B%281%29.JPG
>
> These are parangs and other agricultural edge tools used in Malaysia,
> Phillipines and Indonesia, maybe elsewhere
>
> https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kgFKivzgoio/Tx-OC8n4FOI/AAAAAAAAAnU/9sP1rSDny7I/w640-h480-no/Machetes.jpg
>
> Go here to view most of my collection of images of garden tools used around
> the world:
>
> Avant Geared
> Interesting Posts:
> https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116100117925365792988/+Avantgeared/posts
> Picture galleries:
> https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116100117925365792988/+Avantgeared/photos
>
> Other interesting sites:
>
> Beekeeping: a Bashkirian pasttime
> <
> http://www.storiesfrombashkortostan.com/2012/05/beekeeping-bashkirian-pasttime.html
> >
> storiesfrombashkortostan.com
> <
> http://www.storiesfrombashkortostan.com/2012/05/beekeeping-bashkirian-pasttime.html
> >
>
> http://www.storiesfrombashkortostan.com/2012/05/beekeeping-bashkirian-pasttime.html
> 
>
> Stories from the South Urals
> Chelyabinsk! (It's not what you think..)
>
> http://chelyabinskteaching.blogspot.com/2011/09/from-bashkortostan-with.html
> 
>
> https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/arc/permaculture/2012-February/040864.html
> [permaculture] Lemonary in Bashkortostan & ancient wild-hive beekeeping.
> <https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/arc/permaculture/2012-February/040864.html
> >
>
> Lemonary In Bashkortostan - Seed and Plant Resources
> <
> https://sites.google.com/site/seedkeeping/international-resources/lemonary-in-bashkortostan
> >
>
> https://sites.google.com/site/seedkeeping/international-resources/lemonary-in-bashkortostan
>
> My own garden tool sourcelist and gardening guide
> Biointensive Gardening Guide and Farm & Garden Hand Tool Sourcelist
>
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MP85QDZW4x8PXCeXEa0hyVbI98JEeHOLJcj71I1h3Ek/edit
> 
> http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/documents/gardening-hand-tools.faq
>
> My garden tool collection including sickles and machetes:
>
> https://picasaweb.google.com/103223907782626104592/GardenToolshttps://picasaweb.google.com/103223907782626104592/GardenTools
> https://picasaweb.google.com/103223907782626104592/GardenTools
> "Specialized hand tools I use in my gardens for everything that needs to be
> done. In these pictures you will see many of the tools reviewed in my
> Gardening Hand Tool Sourcelist"
> http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/documents/gardening-hand-tools.faq
>
> Life in rural Romania in the 1960's
> http://youtu.be/FU40CfVJSEI
> http://youtu.be/mLcDQgSGOKA
>
> More information on and sources for hand tools used for crop harvest and
> soil cultivation:
>
> Garden Tools
> https://picasaweb.google.com/dirt.4arm/GardenTools#
> The weed/manure rake/hoe/fork made out of a pitchfork can be seen, first
> tool on the left,
> in this series of photographs, starting here:
> https://picasaweb.google.com/dirt.4arm/GardenTools#5472487141395137746
> and ending here:
> https://picasaweb.google.com/dirt.4arm/GardenTools#5472487290264965282
>
> Here are new resources for serious tool enthusiasts and tool makers:
>
> Machetes, Knives and Sickles
> ============================
> Thailand-jungle-knife.wmv
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WyLnMqOwi-k
> Thai Kukri Knife Review
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Jhj-gWZXI&feature=related
> couteaux thai traditionnels
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiHEbfU6yIk&feature=related
> Amazing Knife Making
> Old style of making knives in Thailand.
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlZMTzjHQfE&feature=related
> Making Japanese knives - knife forging by Master Blacksmith
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qABAEcmPvyg&feature=related
> 2 min tour - Japanese Knives - Handle Making Workshop
> this one is very enlightening
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Faq8fG7emYQ&feature=related
> Making A Knife Handle (Quick Tips)
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k31_CmdiovI&feature=related
>
>
> AUSTRIAN SCYTHES AND ACCESSORIES
> ================================
>
> The Vidos (Kai, Peter, Alex and family); these folks wrote the book on
> traditional European scything:
> They offer for sale an enormous array of Austrian scythes, snaths, sickles
> and accessories
> and provide an encyclopedia of valuable information, links and reference
> material.
> Scytheworks
> http://www.scytheworks.ca/
> Alexander Vido
> 71 Linden Avenue
> Victoria, BC, V8V 4C9
> Canada
> phone: (250) 598-0588
> scytheworks@shaw.ca
> Scythe Connection
> http://www.scytheconnection.com/
> The Vido Family
> 1636 Kintore Road
> Lower Kintore
> New Brunswick, Canada
> E7H 2L4
> scythe@scytheconnection.com
> phone: 506 273 3010 (a shack in the woods)
> or 506 273 2977 ("office" on an adjacent property)
> Both take messages and we check them daily.
>
> Scytheworks
> http://scytheworks.ca/
>
> Video:
> http://scytheworks.ca/riseofthescythe.html
>
> Youtube comment with info:
> "Efficiency is relative. Did you ever try to cut tall grass like that with
> a bicycle lawn-mower,
> or any lawn-mower? The girl IS using her leg muscles to power her
> side-to-side movement.
> The strain on her arms is minimal with this technique. Of course, the
> scythe must be the right
> size for the user, and keeping the blade SHARP is crucial. Not&#65279; all
> scythes are the same:
> the Continental European ("Austrian") design is far more ergonomic than the
> American pattern,
> but there's more to it than that..."
>
> Scythe Connection
> http://www.scytheconnection.com/adp/retail/catalogue.html
> http://www.scytheconnection.com/adp/retail/catalogueBlades.html
>
>
> Scythe Supply
> Carol Fishbein
> An excellent company with very nice scythes  and lots of interesting,
> valuable information
> and a lovely website. They have a very wide selection of scythe blades,
> some made in the 1970's,
> and accessories
> http://www.scythesupply.com/
> Scythe Supply
> 496 Shore Road
> Perry, ME 04667
> Phone is (207) 853-4750
> Email contact: http://scythesupply.com/emailUs.php
>
> The One Scythe Revolution
> Botan Anderson
> http://www.onescytherevolution.com/
> This is an excellent company offering traditional Austrian blades
> and very fine Swiss snaths, whetstones, rakes, and other scythe accessories
>
> Lehman's
> http://www.lehmans.com/store/catalog?Args=
> Farm Hand Tools
>
> http://www.lehmans.com/store/Tools_Farm___Hand_Tools?Args=&view_all=&sort_by=
> Lehman's, One Lehman Circle, P.O. Box 270, Kidron, OH 44636 USA • Ph:
> 888-438-5346
> Hours: Mon - Sat 8:00a.m. - 5:30p.m. | Thur 8:00a.m.- 8:00p.m. | Closed Sun
>
> EYE HOES, BROADFORKS RIDGE-MAKING HOE AND SEEDING RAKES
> =======================================================
>
> Gulland Forge Broadfork
> http://gullandforge.com/
> "About the Broadfork
> The Broadfork, sometimes called a U-bar digger is used to loosen soil
> to prepare for planting or for adding soil amendments such as compost
> or mulches. It will open and loosen soil while minimizing damage to its
> living strata of flora and fauna that provide the nutrients for the garden
> bed.
> The Broadfork is also a great tool to choose for harvesting potatoes,
> beets, carrots, etc.
> The Details:
> Penetration depth - 9"
> Width - 17.5 " across tines
> Ash wood handles - 48" long
> Weighs just over 11 lbs.
> Protective coating of 50/50 Boiled Linseed Oil and Turpentine on all parts,
> safe for your soil."
> (this is the very best broadfork on the market, bar none)
>
> Hida Tool & Hardware Inc
> 1333 San Pablo Ave
> Berkeley, California 94702
> (510) 524-3700
> http://www.hidatool.com/
> http://www.hidatool.com/shop/shop.html
>
> Ridge-making hoe
> Kusakichi Brand #553 Ridge Hoe
> Gardening Hoe
> An angled hoe designed to form the sides of a ditch. The total weight is
> 3.75 lbs.
>     blade length     overall size     price
> N-7553     15inch x 6inch     48inch     $70.60
>
> Eye hoe (farmer hoe)
> Kusakichi Brand #524 Farmer Hoe
> Traditional hand-forged farmer hoe. A bigger version of the middle farmer
> hoe. It is useful for moving soils and weeding. The total weight is 3.9
> lbs.
>        blade length     overall size     price
> N-7524     7inch x 5inch     41inch     $50.20
>
> Three-tined (wide blades) cultivating eye hoe
> Kusakichi Brand #531 Farmer Rake
> Gardening Hoe
> A traditional hand-forged farmer rake. This tool is useful for turning soil
> and harvesting. The total weight is 4lbs.
> Kusakichi Brand #531 Farmer Rake
>        blade length     overall size     price
> N-7531     8 5/8inch x 5 3/4inch     41 1/4inch     $60.00
>
>
> EARTH TOOLS, Inc.
> Walk-Behind Tractors and Compatible Implements
> hand tools for gardeners, homesteaders and farmers.
> 1525 Kays Branch Road
> Owenton, KY 40359
> http://earthtoolsbcs.com
> (502) 484-3988 tel.
> (502) 484-3357 fa
>
> G30 - DeWit Seed Bed Rake
> Made of forged steel, the 9 super-heavy duty tines are spaced nearly 2”
> apart - perfect for ripping up and raking organic material out of old
> seed beds without pulling all the soil out too. Straight neck allows you to
> flip over and use the back to flatten bed.
> Head: 16.5" x 4"
> Length: 74"
> Weight: 4.4 lbs
> Price: $59.00
>
> 53565 - SHW ‘Root’ Hoe
> Heavier head for tougher chopping applications.
> Head: 4.5" x 8.5"
> Weight: 4.4 lbs
> Length: 54"
> Price: $43.00
> Length: 75"
> Price: $49.00
>
> 54306 - SHW Grape Hoe
> The 'Big Mama' of hoes, available with your choice of two handle lengths
> (head shipped dis-mounted from handle)
> Head: 9.5" x 7"
> Weight: 5 lbs
> Length: 54"
> Price: $46.00
> Length: 75"
> Price: $50.00
>
> Gulland Forge Broadfork
> We are extremely pleased to have forged a partnership with Larry Cooper,
> owner of Gulland Forge,
> producer of this completely hand-made broadfork, which we feel is the
> finest on the market.
> The five forged tines have a 9" penetration depth and have a working width
> of 17.5".
> Supplied with custom-fitted ash handles and stainless steel bolts to hold
> them into the frame,
> the care that goes into making each fork is apparent.
> Both head and handles are coated with Linseed oil.
> Overall Length: 57"
> Overall Width: 21"
> Tine Length: 9"
> Tine Width: 17.5"
> Weight: 15lbs
>
>
> A brief Google search on the Styrian scythe, history, use, modern
> adaptations, manufacture and sales:
>
>
>    1. guide.html - The Scythe Shop
>    <http://www.thescytheshop.co.uk/guide.html>
>    www.the*scythes*hop.co.uk/guide.html
>    Aside from the Bush *Blade*, Austrian *scythes* are not advised for
>    woody growth ... terrain consider using a Hahnsense or *Styria* ditch
>    *blade* with a reinforced point.
>    2. All Scythe Equipment | Scythe Cymru
>    <http://scythecymru.co.uk/scythes-for-sale/all-scythe-equipment/>
>    *scythe*cymru.co.uk/*scythes*-for-sale/all-*scythe*-equipment/
>    May 24, 2014 - *Styria* 55cm *Scythe Blade* A tougher blade that is
>    suitable for mowing rougher grass, weeds, bracken and bramble and over
>    rough ground ...
>    3. Blades - Scythe Supply <http://www.scythesupply.com/blades.html>
>    www.*scythes*upply.com/*blades*.html
>    European *Scythe Blades*: grass blades, bush blades, ditch blades,
>    left-handed blades, ... We carry *Styria* Bush Blades for both left and
>    right hand mowers.
>    4. Order Form - Scythe Supply <https://scythesupply.com/order/order.php
> >
>    https://*scythes*upply.com/order/order.php
>    2357D, 22"/57cm Grass / Ditch *Blade*, 65.00. 2360D, 24"/60cm Grass /
>    Ditch *Blade*, 65.00. 2365D, 26"/65cm Ditch *Blade*, 65.00. 2311,
>    *Styria* Left Hand *Sickle* No ...
>    5. Peening - The One Scythe Revolution
>    <http://onescytherevolution.com/peening.html>
>    one*scythe*revolution.com/peening.html
>    To resharpen your *blade*, you will then need to peen the cutting edge,
>    to draw out ... When the bush needs sharpening, hone it as in this
> video,
>    but with the *Styria* ...
>    6. Complete two blade scythe set - Emorsgate Seeds
>    <http://wildseed.co.uk/products/view/2>
>    wildseed.co.uk › Tools & Equipment › Scythes
>    Two *scythe blades*: Profisense 75cm grass blade: best for meadows,
>    lawns and soft weeds. *Styria* short 55cm ditch blade: best for tough
>    grass and weeds and ...
>    7. Scythes - Scotia Seeds <http://www.scotiaseeds.co.uk/Scythe.php>
>    www.scotiaseeds.co.uk/*Scythe*.php
>    Scythes. Buy a scythe. and have the most useful meadow management
> ... *Scythe
>    Blade*; Ditch (55cm), '*Styria*' for rough grass and tough weeds. We use
>    this ...
>    8. History | Scythe Association <http://scytheassociation.org/history/>
>    *scythe*association.org/history/
>    Traditional English *blades* were either stamped or rough forged and
>    then ... the area of *Styria*, in Austria, supplied everything that was
>    needed for state-of-the art ...
>    9. Consultant's report on blade hardness | ScytheConnection
>    <http://scytheconnection.com/consultants-report-on-blade-hardness/>
>    *scythe*connection.com/consultants-report-on-*blade*-hardness/
>    For instance, “Peening is to the *scythe blade* is what bread is to the
>    mower” or “He ... I do this mainly in Rossleithen (the *Styria*/Fux
>    blades do meet that standard, ...
>    10. The Man With The Scythe! - British Pathé
>    <http://www.britishpathe.com/video/the-man-with-the-scythe>
>    www.britishpathe.com/video/the-man-with-the-*scythe*
>    *Scythes* are made in a factory in the *Styrian* Alps in Austria. ...
>    The *blades* are lacquered and wrapped in paper then… more. Titles read:
>    'The Man with the .
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-- 
Kia ora

[image: Picture]
*Steve Hart*
*Ecology Architect*
Designer, Teacher, Builder of Ecologically Sustainable Resilient
Environments
Skype: stevenlawrencehart
Phone: +64 220 75 62 11
Permaculture Global Design:
www.permacultureglobaldesign.org
The Permaculture College of Europe.
www.permaculturecollege.eu
GAPPS The Global Alliance for Permaculture Partnerships and Solutions.
www.permaculturepartnerships.com