So I got a scythe for handling my lawn. It’s the most beautiful thing. It requires constant maintenance and honing “in the field,” plus regular hammering. It came with all the tools for its care. And The Best instructjons.

Unlike mechanical instruction manuals, the scythe instructions are phenomenological. Everything is about sensing and perceiving your place in space (“you are the center of the circle”) and the condition of the tool. You carry a whetstone in water in a special holder for honing.

They tell you what muscles you do and do not use, describe the meditative rhythm of the swing. It should be effortless to slice through the grass blades. The scythe will make an arch from right to left. When swiveling is complete, your left hand will reach your left buttock.

There is a whole print out of intuitive tips for fit and movement. You are to feel and hear each grass blade cut. You are not to swing like a golf club. You are not to gain momentum. You are to manuever smoothly and that is all. If you do this, the grass will deposit to your left

I forgot to mention that each scythe is made to the size and proportions of the user’s body, from the handle to the blade. My name and measurements are on a special label on the handle.

Videos: https://scythesupply.com/videos.html 

If you don't know that Scythe Youtube is a thing, it is, and you need it.

The lawnmower and the electric grass trimmer were invented to avoid the use of this tool, which requires more maintenance. But the scythe has certain advantages: unlike my push-reel mower, it doesn't require a lot of energy/effort. And you are supposed to use it on dewy grass.