Fitting bow cradles to Austrian scythes to mow corn

To mow tall crops such as thatching wheat or Norfolk reed with a scythe you need to fit a cradle to hold the straw from falling back over the snath as you mow. In most old photographs of reed cutting or reaping corn the scythesmen have simple improvised bow cradles fitted, made from sticks cut from the Read more about Fitting bow cradles to Austrian scythes to mow corn[…]

On the quest for perfect peening

At this summers scything events a challenge was issued (by Simon Fairlie) to find the best peening and sharpening champion for all Britain (& Ireland!).  In the event the challenge was not answered: the key masters and teachers of the mysterious art of peening (they know who they are!) dissolved away into the damp mists Read more about On the quest for perfect peening[…]

Albanian scythesman ‘Ded’ wins at 2011 Eastern Counties scything competition

The 4th Eastern counties Scything Competition at Wimpole Hall Estate near Cambridge was the best yet!  We were pleased to welcome additional contenders from the South and West, fired up with success in the west country, hoping to take the trophy (as ‘number one seed’ Simon Damant is the event host and therefore does not Read more about Albanian scythesman ‘Ded’ wins at 2011 Eastern Counties scything competition[…]