The Art Of Sharpening Austrian Scythes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Austrian scythes are made from wafer-thin, hand-forged steel, and are primarily designed for cutting grass. They are lighter than Anglo-American blades, which means that the handle can also be lighter. Austrian scythes are also easier to sharpen than Anglo-American scythes, as they are forged to a finer profile. To sharpen an Austrian scythe, you will need a triangular anvil and a hammer with a flat face. The process of sharpening is called peening, and it involves hammering out the edge of the scythe to make it thinner.

Peening: hammering out the edge of the scythe to make it thinner

Peening is a process of hammering a scythe blade to draw out the metal and thin the edge. This process is also known as cold hammering or cold forging.

The traditional method of peening uses a cross-peen hammer and a small anvil. The cutting zone of the blade, about 1/8" wide, is hammered out, thinning it for easier sharpening. This process also work-hardens the metal and enhances edge retention.

Peening requires a delicate touch. Heavy hammer blows are unnecessary. Instead, a firm yet sensitive strike that makes a good solid sound is the goal. The hammer should be swung from the shoulder joint, with the forearm and upper arm forming an 80-90-degree angle. The blade edge is kept flat on the anvil crown, and the blade is moved gradually over the crown in a smooth, continuous motion.

Peening can also be done using a jig, which is easier for novices and helps to ensure a smooth, razor-sharp edge. The blade is placed flat on the anvil with its edge touching the base of the jig's column. A hollow cylindrical cap is placed over the column and tapped with a hammer, compressing the edge of the blade to the desired thickness.

Peening is an essential step in the maintenance of an Austrian scythe. While the blade can be sharpened with a whetstone, over time, the edge will begin to dull as it thickens and the whetstone will no longer be effective. Peening allows the blade to be thinned and reshaped, restoring its sharpness.

Using a whetstone to sharpen the blade

Using a whetstone to sharpen your scythe is a traditional method that can yield excellent results if done correctly and with patience. This process is all about creating and refining a fine edge along the blade. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Start by preparing your whetstone. Soak it in water if you're using a water stone, or oil if you have an oil stone. This prepares the stone for sharpening by creating a slurry that will help polish and sharpen the blade. Let the stone soak for about 15-20 minutes, or until you see a slight layer of the slurry on the surface.

Now, you need to find the correct angle to sharpen your scythe. Place the whetstone on a solid, flat surface. The type of stone you use will determine the ideal angle for sharpening. For a standard Austrian scythe, you'll want to maintain an angle of about 25-30 degrees between the blade and the stone. This angle ensures a sharp edge that can be maintained with regular honing.

With your stone ready and the angle determined, you can begin sharpening. Place the blade on the stone at the correct angle, and start with gentle, smooth strokes. Apply light pressure, and work the blade along the stone, maintaining the angle. Start at the heel of the blade and work your way towards the tip. Alternate sides with each stroke, ensuring you cover the entire length of the blade with each pass.

As you sharpen, you'll start to feel a slight burr forming along the edge. This is the wire edge, and it indicates that you're on the right track. Continue sharpening, refining your strokes, and maintaining that consistent angle. With each stroke, you're refining and polishing the edge, creating a sharp, consistent cutting surface. Remember to keep the stone lubricated with the slurry to aid in the sharpening process.

Once you've worked the blade to a fine edge, you can move on to refining and polishing. At this stage, you may want to use a finer-grit whetstone to really bring out a razor-sharp edge. This process is similar to the initial sharpening but focuses on refining that edge. Use gentle strokes, and maintain a very consistent, light pressure. Work the entire length of the blade, ensuring you cover the entire edge.

Finally, you'll want to remove that wire edge and finish the blade. You can use a leather strop or a fine-grit honing stone for this. With light, gentle strokes, work the blade along the strop or stone, alternating sides. This will help refine the edge further and remove any remaining burr. Finish by wiping down your blade with a soft cloth, and you'll have a sharpened scythe ready for mowing!

Remember, sharpening a scythe with a whetstone takes practice and patience. Always ensure your stone is prepared correctly, and maintain a consistent angle for the best results. With time and practice, you'll be able to create a razor-sharp edge that will make your scythe a pleasure to use.

How to sharpen an Austrian scythe while standing up

Sharpening an Austrian scythe while standing up is a challenging task that requires careful attention to the process. Here is a detailed guide on how to sharpen your Austrian scythe while standing:

Preparation:

Before you begin sharpening, it is important to have the right equipment. You will need an Austrian scythe, which consists of a snath (the handle) and a blade. The blade should be a European-style blade, preferably made in Austria, as they are known for their superior quality. Additionally, you will need a sharpening stone, also known as a whetstone, with a very fine grit. A stone holder that hangs on your belt is also recommended to keep the stone close at hand. If you don't have one, you can make a simple holder from a plastic milk carton. Ensure that you have water with you, as scythe sharpening stones are used wet.

Positioning the Scythe:

To sharpen your scythe while standing, position the scythe by placing it on the end of the snath with the blade in front of you. This method eliminates the need for kneeling but presents a few challenges for beginners. You will need to learn to hold the blade steady while sharpening, which requires moving both hands simultaneously—the one using the stone and the one supporting the blade. Additionally, you can only see one side of the blade, making it harder to judge if you are contacting the back of the blade correctly.

The Sharpening Process:

• Get ready to sharpen by using a bunch of mown grass to carefully wipe debris from the blade. This step is crucial to prevent grass and debris from catching in the stone during sharpening.
• With the snath in your left hand, hold the scythe upright in front of you.
• Use the narrow edge of the stone and short, overlapping strokes. Start honing one side of the blade at a time. Focus on maintaining the correct angle of the stone. As you build up "muscle memory," you can increase your speed and sharpen both sides simultaneously.
• First, hone the front (cutting edge) of the blade. Use the back rib of the blade as a guide to get the correct angle for the stone. Place the tip of the stone on the rib and lay it down to meet the edge. Keep the stone at this angle as you move it away from the rib and down the edge. Repeat this motion until you've honed the entire top edge.
• Next, hone the back of the blade to remove the burr created by the first pass of the stone. This step is more challenging, as it is harder to find the correct angle. Hold the stone parallel to the tang of the blade and ensure full contact with the edge. If you find that your blade is not sharp after honing, adjust your technique, as you may have missed the edge.
• Regularly sharpen your blade while mowing. A scythe blade should be sharpened in the field about every 5 to 15 minutes to maintain its performance. Use a fine stone to give the blade a few quick swipes, removing any vegetation and keeping the edge keen.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to learn to sharpen the scythe with the blade tip on the ground first before progressing to standing up. This method allows you to stabilise the blade and focus solely on using the stone effectively.
• Always carry your sharpening stone with you when mowing, keeping it in a stone holder on your belt.
• When mowing, be cautious and aware of your surroundings to avoid stepping on the blade or bumping into it.
• Store your scythe clean and dry when not in use. Avoid standing it up with the blade at floor level. Instead, lay it over a sawhorse or hook it on a nail overhead against a wall.

How to sharpen an Austrian scythe while kneeling

To sharpen an Austrian scythe while kneeling, you'll need a canoe-shaped sharpening stone with a grit that's suitable for Austrian-style (tensioned) scythe blades. The grit you need will depend on the type of vegetation you plan to mow and your experience using a sharpening stone.

Before you begin, use a bunch of mown grass to carefully wipe debris from the blade. Then, kneel down, lowering the scythe with you, and place the tip of the blade on the ground.

To sharpen the front of the blade, use the back rib of the blade as a guide. Place the tip of the stone on the rib and lay the stone down to meet the edge. Keep the stone at this angle as you move it away from the rib and a little way down the edge. Repeat this movement until you've honed the entire top edge.

To sharpen the back of the blade, hold the stone so that its length is parallel with the tang of the blade. Make sure the stone is fully contacting the edge. Honing the back of the blade will remove the burr pushed over by sharpening the front of the blade.

It's important to sharpen slowly and with attention, especially when you're first learning. Over time, you'll build up a "muscle memory" of the correct angles, and sharpening will become quicker and easier.

How often to sharpen an Austrian scythe

Austrian scythes are precision instruments that require regular sharpening to maintain their performance. While they are designed to be easier to sharpen than Anglo/American scythes, it is important to understand how often they need to be sharpened and the process involved to ensure optimal results.

Sharpening Frequency

The sharpening frequency for an Austrian scythe depends on various factors, including the type of vegetation being cut and the blade's condition. Here are some general guidelines:

• For mowing soft vegetation or grass, you may need to sharpen your blade every 5 minutes or even less frequently. This may sound like a lot, but once you get the hang of it, a quick sharpening takes very little time and makes mowing much easier.
• After mowing for an hour or two, you may need to use a coarse stone to sharpen your blade, followed by a finer stone.
• If you are mowing grass on a larger scale, you may notice a decrease in performance after mowing for a while. This is when you will need to consider "peening" your blade (more on this later).
• If you are primarily using your Austrian scythe for cutting weeds, you can go longer between sharpenings. With little maintenance, an Austrian blade can effectively cut weeds for several years.

The Sharpening Process

Now, let's delve into the process of sharpening your Austrian scythe:

• It is recommended to carry your sharpening stone in a stone holder attached to your belt. This ensures that the stone is always within easy reach, encouraging frequent sharpening.
• Before sharpening, use a bunch of mown grass to wipe any debris from the blade. This prevents the debris from catching in the stone during the sharpening process.
• When sharpening, focus on one side of the blade at a time. This helps you maintain the correct angles with the stone. As you build up "muscle memory," you can speed up the process and sharpen both sides simultaneously.
• For the correct sharpening stance, kneel and rest the tip of the blade on the ground. This stabilizes the blade and allows you to concentrate on using the stone effectively.
• When sharpening, use short, overlapping strokes with the stone, moving from the handle end of the blade (the beard) towards the tip.
• First, sharpen the cutting edge of the top of the blade (the bevel). Ensure that the stone contacts the blade edge at the correct angle by using the back rib of the blade as a guide.
• Next, sharpen the back of the blade to remove the burr created during the first pass. This side can be trickier to find the correct angle, so pay close attention.
• Remember to sharpen your blade frequently while mowing. A sharp scythe requires less force to use and is less likely to be damaged if it hits something hard.

Peening

In addition to regular sharpening, Austrian scythe blades also require a process called "peening" to maintain their performance over time. Peening involves hammering out the edge of the blade to make it thinner and reshape it. Here are some key points about peening:

• Peening is typically done after the blade has been sharpened multiple times and starts to lose its effectiveness.
• You will know it's time to peen when your blade starts to clog with grass and doesn't cut as well, even with frequent sharpening.
• Peening equipment is necessary if you plan to mow grass on a larger scale. Without peening, you may experience deepening frustration with your blade's performance.
• There are different methods and tools for peening, including freehand peening with a hammer and anvil, and using a peening jig, which is easier for novices.
• Peening can be done every 12 hours or every 3 to 4 hours, depending on usage and personal preference.

Frequently asked questions