Discovering the Art of Scything: August's Crafty Saturday with Chris Riley

There’s something wonderfully soothing about spending a day in nature, embracing a craft that connects us to the land and the rhythms of the past. That’s precisely what we experienced in our latest edition of Crafty Saturday this August—a whole day dedicated to learning the traditional art of scything under the expert guidance of Chris Riley.

A Day with the Scythe

With the last of the summer air hanging over the wildflower meadow, five enthusiastic participants gathered, each curious and eager to master the age-old skill of scything. Our guide for the day, Chris Riley, a seasoned expert in the craft, welcomed everyone with a smile and a reassuring presence. His passion for scything was evident from the very start, and he quickly made everyone feel at ease.

Chris began by introducing us to the Austrian scythe—a beautifully crafted tool known for its lightness and efficiency. As Chris explained, these scythes have been used for centuries, favoured for their elegant design and precision. Unlike the heavy, clunky English scythes often depicted in popular culture, the Austrian scythe is slender and sharp, designed to slice through grass with minimal effort.

Learning the Basics

Our first task was to assemble the scythes, which turned out to be an art in itself! Under Chris's patient instruction, we learned how to carefully fit the blade onto the snath (the wooden handle) and adjust it to suit our individual heights and preferences. A properly fitted scythe, Chris reminded us, is crucial for effective mowing and to prevent strain on the body.

Next, we moved on to maintaining the scythe, a key aspect that is often overlooked. Chris demonstrated how to sharpen the blade using a whetstone and explained how regular honing keeps the scythe in top condition. But honing is only part of the story when it comes to maintaining a scythe blade’s edge.

Peening: The Key to a Sharp Edge

Chris introduced us to the art of peening—a traditional technique used to restore the sharpness of the scythe blade. Peening involves hammering the edge of the blade to thin and harden it, creating a sharp, durable cutting edge. Chris explained that this process is crucial, especially for blades that are used regularly, as it ensures the scythe cuts cleanly and efficiently.

We gathered around the peening anvil, a small metal tool specifically designed for this purpose. With careful, rhythmic taps of the hammer, Chris demonstrated how to peen the blade. He showed us how to move methodically along the edge, applying just the right amount of force to avoid damaging the blade. Peening is a skill that requires patience and practice, but it is immensely satisfying—almost meditative in its repetitive, focused nature.

It was fascinating to see the transformation—the once dull edge becoming finer and sharper with every tap. As he worked, Chris emphasized the importance of peening at regular intervals, especially if the scythe is used frequently. He assured us that with practice, peening becomes second nature, a rewarding part of the scything ritual that adds longevity and effectiveness to the tool.

Into the Meadow: Cutting Grass with Grace

Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for—venturing out into the meadow to put our newly learned skills to the test. With Chris leading the way, we lined up with our scythes at the ready. One by one, we took our first swings. At first, there were some awkward movements and uneven cuts, but with Chris’s gentle guidance, we quickly got the hang of it.

The rhythmic, sweeping motion of the scythe felt almost like a dance. As we moved steadily through the grass, the sound of the blade slicing through the stalks was surprisingly satisfying. There was a quiet sense of accomplishment with each pass, as the meadow slowly transformed under our efforts. We learned how to work with the landscape, adapting our movements to the contours of the ground and the density of the vegetation. Chris was there every step of the way, offering tips, correcting our posture, and encouraging us to find a flow in our movements.

A Sense of Connection and Accomplishment

As the day progressed, it was clear that scything was more than just a practical skill—it was a deeply mindful activity. We found ourselves immersed in the moment, enjoying the feel of the wooden snath in our hands, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the quiet camaraderie of working together in nature.

By the end of the day, we were all tired but exhilarated, our muscles pleasantly aching from the workout, our faces glowing with satisfaction. We had not only learned how to use and maintain a scythe but also gained a deeper appreciation for this traditional craft and its place in sustainable land management.

Looking Forward to the Next Crafty Saturday

This Crafty Saturday was truly special—a day filled with learning, laughter, and a renewed connection to the natural world. Under Chris Riley’s expert tuition, we discovered that scything is not just a skill; it’s a way of experiencing the landscape, a meditative practice that brings a sense of peace and fulfillment.

If you missed this one, don’t worry! There are plenty more Crafty Saturdays to come, each offering a unique opportunity to learn something new and meet like-minded people. So keep an eye on our events page, and we hope to see you at the next one!

Until then, happy crafting!