For big areas a good scythe performs better and faster than a weed-whacker.

 
   
 
 
 

The impressive scythe action is by Faye Vido at their homestead in New Brunswick, Canada.

 
 

Watch the correct scythe action with the video button above

 
       

For large areas of grass like this a scythe is by far the best homesteading tool to use. Although a petrol weed-whacker might be tempting it does not perform well on these large areas, particularly in long grass. If you want to cut a year's growth of weeds, then an Austrian scythe blade will serve you well. The Austrian scythe is hand-forged, wafer thin, with an elegant curve in all three dimensions. That means you are less likely to dig the blade into the ground and it's easier to sharpen with a hand stone at the correct angle. The Austrian blade is much lighter than the American blade which means the handle (called the snath) can be lighter too. The blade will serve you well for years with little maintenance other than sharpening with a stone. However, over time, it will become gradually less keen despite sharpening.

 
       
   
 
 

If you want to cut grass on any scale (several acres) then you  will need to peen your blade at least once a season. Peening is a slow process of beating out the blade to a fine edge. Generally after spending so much time caring for the blade in this way you will find yourself reluctant to lend your scythe to anyone.
 

 
 

Watch the correct scythe action with the video button above

 
       

Using a scythe to cut grass is a rhythmic exercise shifting your balance from right to left as you draw the blade through the grass. It's not the sort of job you want to be doing in the full glare of sunlight or in the company of insects as you work up a sweat. The best time to scythe is as the dawn breaks when there is still a chill in the air, the sun is down and the insects docile. Watch the correct scythe swing action