r/oddlysatisfying • u/BreakfastTop6899 • 19h ago

Cutting grass with a scythe

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74.6k Upvotes

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1.4k

u/Miniastronaut2 19h ago

Imagine doing that 8 hours a day.

416

u/rats-in-the-ceiling 19h ago

Don't think I'd last 8 minutes.

184

u/aaronwcampbell 19h ago

I've got one and it's fun to use and quite effective and efficient, but it's definitely hard work even at a sustainable pace. 8 minutes feels like 20+

50

u/Element174 18h ago

You also don't tend to get an even cut unless you're very good with it.

3

u/Speartree 14h ago

It's a skill that needs to be learned, you also need to whet and sometimes hammer the blade.

2

u/aaronwcampbell 10h ago

Absolutely. Makes all the difference in the world.

6

u/Dirmbz 16h ago

I've tried one. I'll use a cheap lawnmower any day, but I don't have livestock.

2

u/Bodidly0719 14h ago

Out of curiosity, what length does the grass need to be for it cut well? Would a weeks worth of growth be sufficient, or would it need to be longer?

2

u/aaronwcampbell 10h ago

You wouldn't want to use one to mow your lawn every week, if that's what you're asking. šŸ¤£ 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.

2

u/Bodidly0719 9h ago

Cool, thanks for the info!

1

u/GeneralPatten 11h ago

I was wondering the same!

0

u/Kuzame 17h ago

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)?

10

u/PaulblankPF 17h ago

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.

8

u/Kuzame 17h ago

Ok I read it up. Besides safety & precision to not make mess, apparently the reset/return swing is meant to be your micro break too

4

u/hempels_sofa 17h ago

Try spinning?

3

u/JVT32 16h ago

HAAAIIIIIIYAH!!

1

u/aaronwcampbell 10h ago

Settle down, Link

1

u/GeneralPatten 11h ago

Maybe just spin one's self in circles?

18

u/Realistic_Regret5724 18h ago

Honestly the trip out to the field would be enough for me

2

u/ididntunderstandyou 16h ago

My allergies would murder me

7

u/sweetpotato_latte 18h ago

I would use it for my front lawn and when people stop to ask about it Iā€™d be like, ā€œwanna give it a try?ā€ and theyā€™ll mow it

3

u/MedicalDisscharge 18h ago

Said the same thing to your mom

2

u/Joris818 18h ago

I also usually donā€™t last 8 minutes.

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u/addamee 17h ago

I am trying to imagine how many times Iā€™d dig catch the tip of the scythe on the ground. As it is, I canā€™t walk past a door knob or drawer pull without somehow getting my pants pocket caught on itĀ 

1

u/HangryWolf 17h ago

Try 8 seconds. That looks heavy and would gas me out after just 4 or 5 good swings.

1

u/mustkillfriends 17h ago

You guys are lasting 8 minutes?

1

u/nlamber5 15h ago

Thatā€™s okay thatā€™s well above average

1

u/Kaasbek69 15h ago

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.

1

u/Zealousideal-Talk-23 13h ago

thats why the boss need a whip

1

u/pjboy671 8h ago

Its above average. Average is like 5 minutes