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Author Archives: stevetomlin
Peening a scythe blade
Learning how to peen a scythe can feel like a daunting task. Reshaping the edge of the blade by hammering it into shape with a peening jig can feel very technical and difficult and there’s often a fear of damaging … Continue reading
Can you scythe in the rain?
I’m often asked this question as the British summer doesn’t always guarantee long sunny days. The short answer is yes, the scythe has no problem with the rain and you can even work with it underwater if managing a pond … Continue reading
Hebden Bridge scything workshop 2025
I’m just back home after two days teaching a group how to scythe at Hebden Bridge for the High Hirst meadow project. During the workshop we looked at setting up the Austrian scythes, honing, peening and mowing technique for cutting … Continue reading
Scythers wanted at Hebden Bridge 2025
‘Hay Time at High Hirst’ Sunday 20th – Sunday 27th July 2025 Experienced and/or enthusiastic scythers are keenly invited to help a small, dedicated team of volunteers mow their c.2 acre meadow near Hebden Bridge this summer. You are very … Continue reading
Beginners scything workshop in Manchester
The Austrian scythe is a perfect tool for working in urban areas and I’m very proud of how many projects in Manchester are now working this way. At the weekend I taught a Learn to Scythe workshop for some beginners … Continue reading
Scythe course in Staffordshire 2025
It’s always a treat to be back at Silverdale Country Park training volunteers how to use an Austrian scythe. This year the weather was hot, hot, hot but the group did a fantastic job and I’m looking forward to working … Continue reading
Hay rake making workshop 2025
During this very hot summer weekend it was great to be in the shade of the woodland teaching a group how to make a wooden hay rake. We split and shaped the ash head and made teeth with my tine … Continue reading
Spoon carving course in Manchester 2025
Spoon carving is a fantastic pastime and great introduction to working with wood suitable for beginners and improvers. You learn to use axes and knives to transform a freshly cut birch log into a practical cooking spoon during a fun, … Continue reading
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Scything while visually impaired
This is Rob who came on my Learn to Scythe course earlier this year. He has macula degenerative disease and is registered blind though, as you can see, it doesn’t hold him back. Scything is lightweight, low impact work which … Continue reading
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Learn to Scythe instruction book review
It’s great to hear that my Learn to Scythe book is helping people who can’t get to a course. The book covers all aspects of using am Austrian scythe including how to set up a scythe, honing, mowing, peening the … Continue reading