Nice video, but the moment I chose the scythe over my weed strimmer was when I was scything today for the first time ever and I realized I had been talking with my niece the entire time. I was just swinging away while she ran around in the grass. I looked behind me and my dog was tussling with my neighbor's dog. Usually as soon as the strimmer comes out, they beat feet and don't return til some time has passed after I turn it off. No comparison. Time, speed, money, pollution etc. It doesn't matter. when you're talking to a 6-year old.
If you practice your technique, you'll get a much more consistent cut with the scythe that's every bit the equal of the weed whacker. And edging around plants and buildings is easy if you change your blade out for one with a finer point. They're sometimes called Ditch blades or Grass blades. The fine point allows you to reach between the plant/building and weed like a finger and slice away without worry. Quick and simple. Just bought a battery-powered whacker from Greenworks, iirc, and it's really nice. Heavy and loud, sure, but at least there's no gas to mess with. It's nice for small patches, but after a half-hour the battery is near to dead and you either have to switch to a new battery or stop for the day. Not a bad tool, and no gas to spill, but you sure do know you used it! My hands will be itching and feeling weird for an hour or so afterward because of all the vibration.
Awesome demonstration. I love green products that really work like this. The weed wacker is noisy but it can really make precise trimming quicker, but for large areas and clearing, there is no competition. The scythe/sickle is superior. A sharp blade and some technique is all the difference in the world though.
For large areas and clearing? Have you ever tried to clear an acre with a scythe? Scything is hard work. You wouldn't last a day. And you can't compare it to a string trimmer (or butter knife or nail clipper). You have to compare it to a modern mower, mechanical or motorized. Either would be 20 times more efficient than a scythe.
@@joq702 I know. LOL. Bit of a buzz kill I realize. Sorry 'bout that. But I've done scythe work. It's hard, sweaty, buggy and tiring work. And sometimes overexuberant enthusiasm needs a bit of tempering. Especially for those who, without experience, feel drawn romantically to primitivism.
Not mentioned in the comparison is that the weed wacker costs more than the scythe to buy, and even with expensive ring jobs and overhauls the wacker will need to be replaced periodically, whereas a scythe never wears out. Notice it took the wacker longer to clear its patch because of fueling and start up. The scythe will cut closer to the ground than shown here. He's just doing a sloppy job for speed. Noise needs to be considered. Americans don't get enough exercise and wackers add to the problem. You don't need a wacker to cut around trees and fences; a simple hand sheers will do just fine. Give your family and neighbors a rest on their ear drums! Considering all this, I wouldn't take a wacker if you gave me one free! My grandpa's scythe from his old 1920s Minnesota farm, continues doing a really great job with 90 years of use so far. I'm teaching my grandson to use it even though he's only 3' tall.
Most people buy departent store junk because they want to save a buck instead of biting the bullet and getting a professional grade tool that will last 15 to 20 years. I've also never taken that much time just to fire a trimmer up for the first time. That took WAY too long and it wasn't because of the trimmer. It also sounds like a 2 stroke. I have a 4 stroke that would give the sythe a run for its money. Ps its a free country and ill trim when I want to 😂.
I just did a side job for a friend/client of mine clearing around his lake with a combination of scythe and weed whacker(s). The scythe shown through BIG TIME in sections of denser weeds, vastly superior tool. So I'd leapfrog with the scythe doing the thick stuff then hop back on the weed whacker when the stuff was thin stemmed stuff, working out to be about 60/40 scythe to weed whacker. Absolutely would not be without it.
I work the same way, often returning to the scythe where the weed whacker just can't do the job. Both tools are great but there is something so cool about a simple scythe. Thanks for the comment!
@@metaspencer Absolutely! A fun thing was that the guy's son had never seen a scythe used before and I let him try it and he became an immediate fan of it in just a few swipes. There's just something so inherently sword like about it, you feel mighty and medieval. I think I might start buying all the ones I find used for cheap just to be able to give one to someone every now and then.
@@kombo731 A very good question. In this specific case, a mower wouldn't have worked because it was around a pond, so it was rocky in some spots and muddy in others, also irregularly sloped.
@@billmcyrus I see. That makes sense. There are times/spaces in which a scythe is the proper tool. I am concerned, however, that some scythe videos glamorize the scythe. It's not so simple. It's hard hard hard sweaty dirty work if you have more than a small area to clear. As you undoubtedly know better than most.
I've found that over the years since this video was made ... but over rough ground with a lot of rocks, I still find chopping and swinging makes sense. take care!
I just finished using the scythe in my pasture. Love the video, you finished scything before the weed wacker even got started. The thing to remember though is even though the scythe is faster the weed wacker can get around objects like fences that could damage the scythe.
You bet! The thing I lover most about the weed wacker is how precisely I can trim around my small trees and shrubs. Also, I never use the scythe to trim around the house. But for clearing the weeds along my field, or in my ditches -- the scythe is great. Plus, it's such good exercise! Take care. :)
You can get around fences with the scythe, it just takes precision and skill. The only fence you're probably going to have a problem with is chicken wire or chain link, as the blade can get caught, thus damaging it.
Yeah good video, I would chose the scythe any day, I had a go of scythe and enjoyed the experience! Although, I was little concerned you didn't wear any PPE for the weed whacker (strimmer we call it in the UK). My experience with the weed whacker is that it kicks up stuff and it can hit you in the eyes!
Why would you compare a scythe to a string trimmer? Why not a scythe to a modern mower? Or even a scythe to a mid-19th century mechanical mower? People used scythes for a long time because they had nothing better. But then they began to starve, get diseased, and were always hungry. There's a reason we don't try to cure people with bloodletting too, but you could make a good RUclips video about it. The Gen Z crowd would love it.
i'm only 30 seconds in and i've already chosen the scythe. spilling gasoline is never worth it no matter how much easier it makes the work. manual tools all day
nothing like a gas weed wacker though. i use a kobalt 40 volt cordless weedeater mostly. i have 2 batteries but i know they will die out at some point. if i have a ton of work to do i get my gas trimmer out it wont die until i run out of gas.
So because you don't know how to maintain or use a trimmer the scythe is better? A scythe works and has it up side, but this video was a joke, and not in a good way.
Nice video, but the moment I chose the scythe over my weed strimmer was when I was scything today for the first time ever and I realized I had been talking with my niece the entire time. I was just swinging away while she ran around in the grass. I looked behind me and my dog was tussling with my neighbor's dog. Usually as soon as the strimmer comes out, they beat feet and don't return til some time has passed after I turn it off.
No comparison. Time, speed, money, pollution etc. It doesn't matter. when you're talking to a 6-year old.
+maxdecphoenix ... very well put. You capture the simple joy of scything
I freaked out at about 1 minute when I forgot it was a split screen lol
If you practice your technique, you'll get a much more consistent cut with the scythe that's every bit the equal of the weed whacker. And edging around plants and buildings is easy if you change your blade out for one with a finer point. They're sometimes called Ditch blades or Grass blades. The fine point allows you to reach between the plant/building and weed like a finger and slice away without worry. Quick and simple.
Just bought a battery-powered whacker from Greenworks, iirc, and it's really nice. Heavy and loud, sure, but at least there's no gas to mess with. It's nice for small patches, but after a half-hour the battery is near to dead and you either have to switch to a new battery or stop for the day. Not a bad tool, and no gas to spill, but you sure do know you used it! My hands will be itching and feeling weird for an hour or so afterward because of all the vibration.
Awesome demonstration. I love green products that really work like this. The weed wacker is noisy but it can really make precise trimming quicker, but for large areas and clearing, there is no competition. The scythe/sickle is superior. A sharp blade and some technique is all the difference in the world though.
Thanks for checking it out!
For large areas and clearing? Have you ever tried to clear an acre with a scythe? Scything is hard work. You wouldn't last a day. And you can't compare it to a string trimmer (or butter knife or nail clipper). You have to compare it to a modern mower, mechanical or motorized. Either would be 20 times more efficient than a scythe.
@@kombo731 Thanks for the positivity there sir.
@@joq702 I know. LOL. Bit of a buzz kill I realize. Sorry 'bout that. But I've done scythe work. It's hard, sweaty, buggy and tiring work. And sometimes overexuberant enthusiasm needs a bit of tempering. Especially for those who, without experience, feel drawn romantically to primitivism.
Not mentioned in the comparison is that the weed wacker costs more than the scythe to buy, and even with expensive ring jobs and overhauls the wacker will need to be replaced periodically, whereas a scythe never wears out.
Notice it took the wacker longer to clear its patch because of fueling and start up.
The scythe will cut closer to the ground than shown here. He's just doing a sloppy job for speed.
Noise needs to be considered.
Americans don't get enough exercise and wackers add to the problem.
You don't need a wacker to cut around trees and fences; a simple hand sheers will do just fine. Give your family and neighbors a rest on their ear drums!
Considering all this, I wouldn't take a wacker if you gave me one free! My grandpa's scythe from his old 1920s Minnesota farm, continues doing a really great job with 90 years of use so far. I'm teaching my grandson to use it even though he's only 3' tall.
+James Hannum ... it seems like those with weed wackers have several as they die often. You make a good point
metaspencer my weed wacker is about 15 years old and still runs fine to this day
Awesome!
Most people buy departent store junk because they want to save a buck instead of biting the bullet and getting a professional grade tool that will last 15 to 20 years. I've also never taken that much time just to fire a trimmer up for the first time. That took WAY too long and it wasn't because of the trimmer. It also sounds like a 2 stroke. I have a 4 stroke that would give the sythe a run for its money.
Ps its a free country and ill trim when I want to 😂.
Never wear out? How many 50 year old scythes do you have in your shed? They rust, the wood rots, they get neglected. Just like any machine.
I just did a side job for a friend/client of mine clearing around his lake with a combination of scythe and weed whacker(s). The scythe shown through BIG TIME in sections of denser weeds, vastly superior tool. So I'd leapfrog with the scythe doing the thick stuff then hop back on the weed whacker when the stuff was thin stemmed stuff, working out to be about 60/40 scythe to weed whacker. Absolutely would not be without it.
I work the same way, often returning to the scythe where the weed whacker just can't do the job. Both tools are great but there is something so cool about a simple scythe. Thanks for the comment!
@@metaspencer Absolutely! A fun thing was that the guy's son had never seen a scythe used before and I let him try it and he became an immediate fan of it in just a few swipes. There's just something so inherently sword like about it, you feel mighty and medieval. I think I might start buying all the ones I find used for cheap just to be able to give one to someone every now and then.
If you're willing to use a string trimmer, why not just get a gasoline powered mower? It'd beat both of them hands down.
@@kombo731 A very good question. In this specific case, a mower wouldn't have worked because it was around a pond, so it was rocky in some spots and muddy in others, also irregularly sloped.
@@billmcyrus I see. That makes sense. There are times/spaces in which a scythe is the proper tool. I am concerned, however, that some scythe videos glamorize the scythe. It's not so simple. It's hard hard hard sweaty dirty work if you have more than a small area to clear. As you undoubtedly know better than most.
Try slicing not chopping. You might find that using the scythe correctly yields better results with less energy requirements.
I've found that over the years since this video was made ... but over rough ground with a lot of rocks, I still find chopping and swinging makes sense. take care!
metaspencer scythe are designed for slicing but to each their own.
great video! I'd like to own a scythe as I just bought some property and despise using a weed eater.
+Monster commenter ...you'll love it!
metaspencer I think you're right.
+Monster commenter ...yup!
Different tools for different jobs. A lawnmower and a weedwacker does everything I need. A lawnmower and a scythe wouldn't
I just finished using the scythe in my pasture. Love the video, you finished scything before the weed wacker even got started. The thing to remember though is even though the scythe is faster the weed wacker can get around objects like fences that could damage the scythe.
You bet! The thing I lover most about the weed wacker is how precisely I can trim around my small trees and shrubs. Also, I never use the scythe to trim around the house. But for clearing the weeds along my field, or in my ditches -- the scythe is great. Plus, it's such good exercise! Take care. :)
metaspencer i also use a push mower (manual pushing is required) and a weed trimmer and for me they work great and are always reliable
+ira todd... I've had the same setup and really liked it
You can get around fences with the scythe, it just takes precision and skill. The only fence you're probably going to have a problem with is chicken wire or chain link, as the blade can get caught, thus damaging it.
Well said!
this video is awesome and hilarious.
next up: knitting needles vs. scythe!
My dumbass thought you were about to hit that other similarly dressed guy with the scythe. Edge of your seat suspense right there, sir.
Haha! Oh man
Man, I was soo hoping ScytheSpencer was gonna work his way right over and show up behind HusqSpencer and do his part too.
haha ... that would be a good one! :)
You're actually suggesting the scythe is not tiring and the weedwacker is? C'mon
Even with the improper use of the scythe it's still more efficient.
Yeah good video, I would chose the scythe any day, I had a go of scythe and enjoyed the experience! Although, I was little concerned you didn't wear any PPE for the weed whacker (strimmer we call it in the UK). My experience with the weed whacker is that it kicks up stuff and it can hit you in the eyes!
You're right about those things throwing things at you! I should be more careful :) Take care mate
Yes but a weed wacker isnt designed for that type of brush
plus, the weedwacker costs more, uses fuel,smells bad and does not feel calming to use
+dragonfirechimeravids ..seriously
dragonfirechimeravids 3
I've seen cheaper weed eaters and more expensive scythes, but no fuel and no trimmer line is indisputable.
good job bro
Why would you compare a scythe to a string trimmer? Why not a scythe to a modern mower? Or even a scythe to a mid-19th century mechanical mower? People used scythes for a long time because they had nothing better. But then they began to starve, get diseased, and were always hungry. There's a reason we don't try to cure people with bloodletting too, but you could make a good RUclips video about it. The Gen Z crowd would love it.
A blood letting video! I'll add that to my list, opening a vein with the old scythe :) haha ... thanks for the comment, man: I see your point
i'm only 30 seconds in and i've already chosen the scythe. spilling gasoline is never worth it no matter how much easier it makes the work. manual tools all day
I'm with you ... a scythe will last a lifetime, too
@@metaspencer and to hell with whippersnipper cord!!!! that shit sprays microplastics all over your yard
Spectacular! 👍
Many thanks!
Did you use a standard blade for the scythe?
The blade in the video is a weed or brush blade .... I use a much longer grass blade when not cutting through brush. They cut very differently
1:00 - LOOK OUT!! :)
Haha! Good one!
much like everything else, moderation in "tech" to help
+An1gMa5realm ... well said!
Who is watching in 2020
Adorable!
I use an electric weed wacker, much faster. No pull string and no gas. Just need to make sure the battery has enough charge first.
Sounds like a good way to go!
nothing like a gas weed wacker though. i use a kobalt 40 volt cordless weedeater mostly. i have 2 batteries but i know they will die out at some point. if i have a ton of work to do i get my gas trimmer out it wont die until i run out of gas.
@@dirtyreg22 True -- they will cut through grass without end
So because you don't know how to maintain or use a trimmer the scythe is better? A scythe works and has it up side, but this video was a joke, and not in a good way.
Weed wacking is funner though.
Scything technique needs some work, dude.