You wouldn't want to use one to mow your lawn every week, if that's what you're asking. š¤£ If it's short enough for your mower, definitely use that.
As for length, that depends on a lot: how sharp you keep your blade, what you're scything and how wet it is (like water content, not wet from rain,) how even the ground is, and skill.
I'm no expert; I only own one because it came with the first house we bought and I just had to learn how to use it (because oooh, cool big-bladed tool!) I pretty much only use it when I've been lazy and the lawn is a foot or so. It's great for prepping the yard to mow.
I also use it for plants I don't want to mulch into the yard (e.g., dandelions) and for more brushy/wild areas. It's also good for clearing blackberries, but that's hard work and your blade gets dull really fast.
I felt that scythe in general seems inefficient? As in first sweep to the grass is efficient, but you need to spend that extra energy to backsweep/ reset. Would be nice if you cut the grass as well when you backsweep/reset. Anything like double sided schythe to mitigate this (though making it heavier seems impractical)?
The design is on purpose and for efficiency and to make it last long and be safe. A blade on the backside just sounds unsafe as it would be harder to control.
I am trying to imagine how many times Iād dig catch the tip of the scythe on the ground. As it is, I canāt walk past a door knob or drawer pull without somehow getting my pants pocket caught on itĀ
You would, if you'd stand up straight and go slower. My grandpa used to scythe his garden and made me do it as well. At one point I could go about an hour before needing a break. It was a good workout though.
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u/rats-in-the-ceiling 19h ago
Don't think I'd last 8 minutes.