Scythe, Part 2 - My Favorite Farm Tool

Рет қаралды 12,489

Күн бұрын

After a brief review of the Scythe, Part 1, Pa Mac explains the different types of American scythe blades and their uses (for mowing hay, brush, weeds, or yards) the sharpening process using a grinding stone and different types of honing stones, as well as how to set the angle of the blade for proper mowing operation. Also briefly mentioned is the grain cradle.
Check back often for future episodes of "My Favorite Farm Tool" with Pa Mac. Most episodes will feature an explanation and description of various antique farm hand tools, along with helpful tips for restoring, maintaining, and using them.
If you enjoy these videos and would like to support the channel, please share the links on your social media platforms. (It helps a lot and is greatly appreciated.) You can also help the show by shopping for any of Pa Mac's books, music, or other items (farmhandscompanion.com/fhc-ge..., or by pledging support for Farm Hand's Companion on Patreon ( / farmhandscompanion .
Also visit www.farmhandscompanion.com to find articles, posts, photographs, and encouragement for today's self-sufficient farm or homestead.
Be sure and subscribe to the Farm Hand's Companion channel and watch episodes of "The Farm Hand's Companion Show" as Pa Mac takes an undeveloped piece of property and turns it into a small subsistence farm.

Пікірлер: 69

@David-wz4en 6 ай бұрын

I really enjoy your shows specially on the old farm implements I grew up on a farm in the 40 Pennsylvania my grandfather's size he's sharpening stone he had in a piece of wood that he had haul it out with a point on the bottom that he's set in the ground he can just drop it and it would stick in the ground he also had a carved a clip on it so that if he really needed to he could hook it on the side of his bib overalls. Thank you for keeping some of this stuff alive

@ronmetz9172 Жыл бұрын

Had a good chuckle when you read that coupon. My grandmother who was born in 1909 kept a box of NR(nature’s remedy) tablets in the medicine cabinet.

@rg1599 Жыл бұрын

I can’t get enough of your videos. So glad for the recent burst of videos.

@stunnedatsunset7649 Жыл бұрын

THAT was superbly instructive, Pa Mac! I use a Scythe on my little homestead and your presentation was very, very useful!

@SaintCoemgen Жыл бұрын

As an American expat living in Europe I sadly have never used an American Scythe. In fact, the snath that I used fist is known as a "single grip snath" (one can see this for example here at KZfaq at the *ScytheConnection* channel). Where there was only one added handle, and you simply griped the snatch at the upper end. The snath was straight and to "adjust" you simply leaned over a bit... or a lot.... Works great to cut grass, but not ideal on the back.....🙂 I have modified and updated this default snath that I own to a more appropriate form to fit my body and the angle of the blades so I can use it all in a more upright position.. And now I can mow all day long with my Scythe. Old things are great. But one should not be afraid to modify as needed to make tools work for your *today*. Hope this helps.

@mdspisak Жыл бұрын

I enjoy all of your videos. I am one of those old guys who is looking to buy some land in the mountains of West Virginia. I have no intentions of farming it, but I do want to use a lot of the knowledge that I am gaining from watching your videos to keep it useful. I am going to build a cabin and will use some of you barn building techniques to accomplish it. Thank you for the informative and sometimes amusing Videos and content.

@newenglandyankeeliving5052 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t realize I had to sharpen but sides because it looked like it was a single bevel. It cut but it was a lot of work like A LOT. Sharpened it up as you recommended this morning and she sang through the hay field all morning long

@OutsideTheTargetDemographic Жыл бұрын

36 yo and I'm fascinated. My house on 2.5 acres came with two American scythes in the garage, and while I have use them, I never understood them. Far more convenient than mixing gas and blowing eardrums with a weed Wacker. The wife mocks me, but it gets the yard done and gives me a workout as I do it.

@JacobvsRex Жыл бұрын

If Pa Mac could put out 24/7 content I’d not need much else to watch….

@rg1599 Жыл бұрын

Great videos. I hope to come visit your store and maybe stay at the B&B.

@jameskniskern2261 Жыл бұрын

I have the Austrian scythe, because that is what I could get. I don't hate on the American scythe, as both tools are fantastic to use when sharp. I also would think that the 'murican scythe can cut dry corn stalks and sorghum stalks all day long, where the Austrian scythe would get stuck in the stalks due to its lightness. Anyway loved your descriptions and demonstrations! One thing to add, it is easier to use a scythe if you keep it on the ground for the front stroke and the back stroke. So you are only really steering the blade along as it glides over the soil surface.

@deborahdanhauer8525 Жыл бұрын

I like the sound they make. That shnick, shnick sound when they’re cutting❤️🐝🤗

@LaeviG Жыл бұрын

I sharpen my old scythe with a flat stone. Leaves a pretty rough edge thats perfect for cutting weeds and saplings. I prefer it to a gas weed eater. Harder on the back but I don't have to fiddle with a persnickety gas engine and all the plant goo everywhere.

@FortyTwoBlades Жыл бұрын

Funny--in all my years using and studying the American scythe it actually never occurred to me that gourds were a good potential material for whetstone holders. I've seen all manner of wooden, horn, metal, and plastic, but never a gourd. Seems like a bit of treatment to the interior would be all it'd need to shore up the drip. Very clever!

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

Thank you, FortyTwoBlades; and thanks for watchin'! Folks, FortyTwoBlades has THE BEST video out there on refitting and reworking a scythe nib. Please watch it! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iN-SadZ9usDVZ30.html

@spaceplowboy1 Жыл бұрын

Good job, little brother!

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

Thank you, big brother!

@deltonwatts9726 11 ай бұрын

I've used a scythe a lot, and enjoyed your knowledge and instruction.

@danielr.schafer9504 Жыл бұрын

That 38 incher is a samurai scythe!

@ambiguoussoul1246 Жыл бұрын

I really appreciate this tutorial. I bought a couple of 18 inch American brush scythes and was wondering how to restore them to a working edge. Now I have food for thought. Many thanks. Joe NKY.

@richardroyles1423 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the information. God bless next time. I’m at an auction. I’m going to buy one if there is one.

@aloberdorf4579 Жыл бұрын

I ain't even 70, have not had access to "Natures Remedy", but have found yesterday's coffee, sauerkraut juice or pickle juice are Very effective producers..also Skeeters at this time of year tend to limit reading time. Business First.. ...LOL !!

@gretafields4706 Ай бұрын

I found a used scythe with one nib on a straight handle. The blade is very heavy and wide and dull. I will try to get it usable, after seeing this video. I will look for your videos on sharpening. I wonder whst you think about the newer peening jigs versus anvil and hammer. I bought a small anvil at Harbor Freight, but i am still using honing stones. I misplaced the store-bought sharpeners, so I got a sandstone rock out of the creek (works!). I cut a half acre of cereal rye, clover and Orchard Grass using a cheap long-handle sickle from a hardware store. It did great. However, it won't cut this year's field, which is solid Orchard Grass, gone to seed and 4 ft tall! Years ago I had a bushhog.... Oh for a tractor!

@mikerussell701 Жыл бұрын

Always love your videos!!!! Used a scythe once......was not a great experience. Videos almost makes me want to try again. Almost.

@olddawgdreaming5715 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing with us, really enjoy the fun things you come up with doing these videos. I'll be 78 the 3rd of July and I have no reccolection of the "Natures Remedy" but I did get the experience of using the scythe and not being properly instructed on the proper use of it. You have cleared things up on the proper use of the scythe and caring for them and I thank you. As for Natures Remedy they still sell simular products and like everything else it is more expencive. Stay safe around there and keep up the great videos and having fun. OLD DAWG DREAMING Fred.

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

Ahhww, shoot. I was hoping you'd have first hand experience with Nature's Remedy, Fred. You're just too healthy.

@mhpjii Жыл бұрын

Fascinating! Thank you, Pa!

@marlinguidegun1657 Жыл бұрын

I own three, just passed up on inheriting a fourth one. This was very helpful!

@Barbarra63297 Жыл бұрын

Great ending to the video lol

@FJBAFYFVFH Жыл бұрын

Thank u pa Mac. God bless u

@douglasvantassel8098 Жыл бұрын

Great stuff, thank you for making these.

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

you're welcome, Douglas

@josephkreamer3504 Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! Very helpful

@GrandmaGingersFarm Жыл бұрын

Definitely one of my favorites too.

@john-william5917 Жыл бұрын

Love the content! Wish I'd have known how to "properly" sharpen and use the torture stick when I was in my teens mowing overgrown weeds on the farm. I did more "wacking" than scything, but it was good exercise. This is the first "talky" video I've seen of yours, enjoyable as well!

@Silversmith925 Жыл бұрын

I now have about 6 or 7 scythes, one being a European scythe I ordered to my specs. Great fun.

@123109100 2 ай бұрын

I got a Austria blade brush 20" but American scythe

@123109100 2 ай бұрын

Is that ok ??

@Join.The.Partee Жыл бұрын

Don’t be disappointed that you have to purchase that laxative along with that knife sharpener. Both can be very handy in a pinch,…depending on your needs. 😂😂😂

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

I had not considered that...

@farmerboy916 Жыл бұрын

I really ought to find the scythe right for my style of weeds; sparse, wispy stuff that likes to lean down close to the ground. Hate the weedwhacker.

@user-op6td6py8f Жыл бұрын

I have been looking for one of these for a few years now, kills me that I cannot find one. I live in Missouri and all the ones I find, the owners will not sell them at all. After I retire and have more time for auctions, I will get me one.....

@TheRedneckprepper Жыл бұрын

Ifi remember right Teddy had a Scythe blade hanging on the north wall ? That coupon is way cool . Paw do ya get into (collect old newspapers (30s Dallas times Herald) ? i also somewhere, I have a (1934 I think) Hope AR phone book, Bill Clinton childhood home town

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

Love to see those some time!

@davidjones-wy3ln Жыл бұрын

any place in particular you reccomend to buy one?

@badassfood5713 Жыл бұрын

If Adam savage was raised in Kentucky….

@garethdavies3220 Жыл бұрын

The American scyth looks similar to the English or British scyth , is this correct ? . Interesting video thanks.

@stanleygibson1257 Жыл бұрын

Did he show any tips on how to adjust the nibs?

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

He (I) talked about it, but not with much detail. FortyTwoBlades has THE BEST video out there on refitting and reworking a scythe nib. Give it a watch: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iN-SadZ9usDVZ30.html

@maxinedurling3425 Жыл бұрын

Did you make your stone stand

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

Yes, Maxine. There'll be more on that later some day...

@rawbacon Жыл бұрын

I didn't get a coupon, can you send one out? Hopefully it'll help my Biliousness.

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

I could send you the knife sharpener...but I'm not sure that would help your condition.

@zone6b481 10 ай бұрын

bilious-affected by or associated with nausea or vomiting. Biliousness: A term used in the 18th and 19th centuries pertaining to bad digestion, stomach pains, constipation, and excessive flatulence (passing gas). The quantity or quality of the bile was thought to be at fault for the condition.

@lomax117 Жыл бұрын

I would like to send some pictures of my scythe. Don't know how old it is. It belonged to one of my ancestors

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

I'd love to see it. Go to my website and send it via my email

@Traderjoe Жыл бұрын

How come lawnmower blades aren’t curved?

@fxm5715 Жыл бұрын

Lawn mower blade cut by chopping, not sheering, so curving the blade would just makes them more expensive to manufacture and more difficult to sharpen.

@wesleyyoung-tx2hm Жыл бұрын

Your going need a bigger tool shead

@eddiebailey6250 Жыл бұрын

Nature's remedie and a knife sharper kinda do go hand and. I'm mean really cell phones were not even close to being a thing yet. How else you gonna pass the time..

@quirty864 Жыл бұрын

What, you didn't read last years Sears catalog?

@leviathanmdk Жыл бұрын

As an eu citizen in only use the austrian (tensioned) scythes still verry interesting to see these american style scythes. As for who is beter... like Peter Vido said. Austrian, American, Russian or Chinees fakes. Any scythe is beter then no scythe.

@farmhandscompanion Жыл бұрын

Well said.

@donrad 10 ай бұрын

An "acre of land" was originally defined as the amount of grain or hay a man could cut with a scythe in one day. So I imagine a man's farm "holding" depended on his physical ability and the quality of the scythe. The scythe was a huge improvement from the short "cycle". They were how a peasant spent his day and earned his wages. The logo you see on the communist banner. The tools that created civilizations. The cycle of life.