Buy whetstones – for consistently sharp scythe blades

Buying whetstones is worthwhile, because during mowing you should re-hone your scythe.
Whether natural whetstone or synthetic whetstone – choosing the right scythe whetstone depends on the condition of your scythe blade and how you use it. Here you will learn which whetstone suits you.

Natural or synthetic whetstone – which is better?

In principle, there are two types of whetstones:

Synthetic whetstones: More affordable and available in various hardness levels and grits, so there is a suitable synthetic whetstone for every condition of the scythe blade—perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.
Natural whetstones: Often a very fine, dense stone structure with relatively high hardness, making them very durable. For particularly fine honing of the peened edge.

Tip: With a combination of two different grits of a synthetic whetstone (e.g., coarse grit 150 and fine grit 400), complemented by an especially fine natural whetstone, you have every option—for any condition of the scythe blade.

Which whetstone suits your scythe?

For regular re-honing, a medium synthetic whetstone is recommended, offering a good compromise between material removal and cutting-edge fineness. Even better is a combination of a coarse synthetic whetstone (for heavier damage to the blade or rough conditions) and a fine synthetic whetstone (for maintaining a fine peened edge).

If you peen extremely finely and want to remove only a little material, a fine, hard natural whetstone is suitable.
Always at hand – always wet
When mowing, your whetstone should always be within reach—ideally in a suitable whetstone holder.
And our clear recommendation: Always sharpen wet! Wet honing prevents the stone from clogging, and only then does it deliver its full effect.