What a sunny start to the season. But wow it was dry!
The cool night time temperatures and the lack of moisture on our free draining land meant the grass was slow to get into growth. It was really beautiful but, dare I say it, a few April showers have been gratefully received…
The scything season is underway. Here’s Phil teaching on our first Peening Workshop of the season. The course was full and well received. More dates to come soon!
In This Newsletter:
- Items that are back in stock and new lines.
- Ever wanted to try a SF metal snath? Exclusive to Newsletter subscribers, we have a few available on a first come, first served basis. We also have a few very handsome Turk Scythe Blades
- Come and visit us at Dyfed Permaculture Farm. Dates for your diary.
- Scythe Festivals and Fairs 2025
- The Windrow – packed full of scythe related articles, plus scything news from across the UK and Ireland.
Spring Stock News
What’s back in stock, what’s new!
The following items are all now back in stock:
- STYRIA 65cm and 55cm blade
- 40cm FUX Bush blades
- SIZE 1 (small) adjustable wooden snaths
- Spare RAKE TEETH for Rudd’s Hayrakes
Image (right) – Look at the lovely grain patterns on these snath ends!
New Lines:
Falci 187 60cm
We now stock the FALCI 187 blade in a 60cm length, as well as 55cm and 40cm.
The 187 is a neat, nicely made blade suitable for trimming and general mowing. I like using it for mowing under electric fences. Oh my, if only we had that much grass right now!
FUX Sickle
Due to customer requests we have a small number FUX Sickles available, size 1 1/2 (53cm as measured along the back of the blade)
SF Metal Snath & “Turk” Scythe blade
A few for Newsletter Subscribers to try
Schröckenfux metal snaths
We imported a few Schröckenfux metal snaths to see if they match the wooden ones for ergonomic setup.
They are certainly better then the cheap metal ones seen on auction sites etc, with reasonable adjustment possible to get a ergonomic setup. Phil has modified the grips on his, for added comfort.
Though not, in our opinion, as good as the wooden ones there are some circumstances where people might find them useful eg heavy clearing by volunteer groups.
Another potential advantage is the particular range of adjustment on these snaths make them easier to set up steep tanged blades, such as the Turk blade below.
We’re not planning on stocking them just yet, but we have a few from the trial import that are available if you want to try one. We are offering them to Newsletter subscribers first – follow the link below to order.
“Turk” Scythe Blades
These handsome blades are made by the Schröckenfux factory to a traditional pattern.
They have striking paint work and are broadly similar in shape and weight to the Styria. Notably, the tip of the blade is lifted, rather then curved in along the plane of the blade as in the Styria. This could make the blade useful on uneven ground.
The label on the back of the blade carries this advice (in Italian):
NOTICE TO MOWERS
Like all superior articles our “Turk’s Head” scythe is the object of many counterfeits by unscrupulous competitors. Therefore the consumer is strongly advised in their own interest to be careful before purchasing and to make sure the scythe bears the registered Turk’s Head brand stamped in gold on the handle with the inscription “Turk’s Head Sickle – unsurpassed cut”. Those that do not meet these requirements are counterfeit blades and should not be purchased because in terms of workmanship, quality of steel, cut and durability, real Turk’s Head Scythes are unsurpassed.
Come and Visit us!
Moth Camp ; Open Meadow Morning
As well as Scythe Courses, we run other events that offer a chance to come and visit the farm and learn about what we do.
We’re starting to set dates for summer 2025. Here’s a couple to pencil in your diary, more details to follow soon!
Moth Camp 2025
28th – 29th June
Camp over on the farm, learn all about the creatures that move at night!
Featuring a wildflower labyrinth, wildlife cameras to spot nighttime animals, a delicious homecooked supper, moth crafts and, the stars of the show, MOTHS.
Open Meadow Morning
5th July 2025
Join us for a morning meandering through the 6 acres of DPF’s glorious hay meadows.
We’ll talk you through what grows there, and how we manage them for biodiversity and yield.
AND there will be tea and cake!
Scythe Festival and Fairs
Meet fellow scythe enthusiasts!
The Green Scythe Fair
Sunday 8th June 2025
The premier scything event of the UK calendar, at Thorney Lakes, Muchelney, Somerset.
Scything competitions and demonstrations, stalls, food, music and ample opportunity to network with the UK scything community. What more could you want?
There are scythe courses for beginners and improvers running in the days before the fair – see the Windrow for details.
Festivities across the UK – and Beyond!
Perhaps you are looking for something closer to home? The Scythe Association Events Page lists scything events happening across the UK, covering from the South of England right up to Scotland
Or maybe you are looking to venture further afield? You can find links to scything events across Europe here
The Windrow
Premier scythe related content.
Published annually, The Windrow is an invaluable and entertaining source of scythe-related articles, information, trivia and news.
Here is a link to the latest issue. You can find past issues here
To have the Windrow delivered directly to you email inbox and receive it hot off the press before anyone else, join the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland.
Your membership fee will support a group that aims to:
- Promote Scythe Use
- Enhance communication about scything and allied practices
- Improve skills in the use of scythes and ancillary equipment.
- Maintain standards of manufacture and supply of scythes and ancillary equipment
- Promote the study of the history of the scythe and allied technologies