The Snath

The snath is, so to speak, the handle of the scythe. It largely determines how easily the scythe can be guided and whether you can mow upright and with minimal fatigue. A sharp blade alone is not enough—a scythe snath adjusted to the mower’s height and properly positioned grips are equally important prerequisites for easy mowing.

In this chapter, we provide an overview of the structure, forms, and correct length of the snath and show you what to look for when making your selection.

Structure and Terminology

In German-speaking regions, the scythe snath is often also called Worb. In addition, there are numerous regional designations. A scythe snath essentially consists of:

  • the snath (the actual handle),
  • an upper grip for the left hand,
  • a middle grip for the right hand,
  • the tang section at the lower end.

The most common form today is the scythe snath with two grips: the grip for the left hand sits at the upper end, the grip for the right hand approximately in the middle of the snath.

The lower part of the snath is called the tang section. This is where the tang of the scythe blade is attached. On the tang section you will find:

  • a nib hole or corresponding notch into which the nib of the blade fits,
  • a rounded top surface so that the scythe ring sits securely,
  • a flat underside on which the tang rests.

The nib hole may already be present or must be chiseled out with a mortise chisel. Its dimensions are limited: it should be large enough for the nib to fit in, but still allow the nib to press into the wood when the scythe ring is tightened.

Materials and Forms of the Scythe Snath

Scythe snaths made of wood, metal, and aluminum are available commercially. Additionally, a distinction is made between straight and curved snath forms.

  • A scythe snath is considered straight if it is straight in top view and side view (with the exception of the tang section).
  • A scythe snath is curved if it has an arc-shaped upward curve in side view.

With wooden scythe snaths, reference is often made to a crutch. This refers to a grip extension angled upward on which the grip for the right hand is mounted. For example, distinctions are made between:

  • straight snaths with a high crutch,
  • curved snaths with a medium-height crutch,
  • other regional forms with different grip positions.

Easy, upright mowing is facilitated by scythe snaths with a high or medium-height crutch, because the grip for the right hand is positioned higher and you need to bend less while working.

Commercially available scythe snaths generally range in length from approximately 140 cm to 165 cm. The appropriate length depends on body height.

The Correct Length of the Scythe Snath

The correct length of the scythe snath is one of the most important prerequisites for an upright, back-friendly working posture.

A simple guideline is provided by the following rule of thumb: body height minus 25 cm. Thus, for example, with a body height of 175 cm, an ideal scythe snath length of approximately 150 cm results. 

Ideal scythe snath length = your body height minus 25 cm.

This length has proven to be a good reference point so that you can mow with an upright posture without having to bend forward too much.

Practical Length Test When Purchasing

In addition to the rule of thumb, you can verify the appropriate length through a simple size comparison:

  • Place the scythe snath with the tang section on the ground in front of you.
  • Standing upright, the upper grip should be approximately at the level of your larynx.

If the scythe snath is significantly shorter, it will force you into a bent posture while mowing. If it is significantly longer, the scythe will be harder to guide and feel “unwieldy.”

Effects of an Incorrect Length

A scythe snath that is too short has immediate consequences:

  • you must bend too far forward while mowing,
  • the back muscles are heavily strained,
  • muscle tension and fatigue occur more quickly,
  • over time, enjoyment of working with the scythe decreases significantly.

With a scythe snath matched to your body height, you can stand largely upright. Combined with properly adjusted grips, this creates a relaxed posture and a smooth mowing swing.

The Grips on the Scythe Snath

Scythe snaths are distinguished between single-grip and double-grip versions:

  • single-grip scythe snaths have one grip in the middle,
  • double-grip scythe snaths additionally have an upper grip for the left hand.

In German-speaking regions, double-grip scythe snaths are predominantly in use. In other regions, scythe snaths with only a middle grip are sometimes used.

The placement and form of the grips differ depending on design and region, especially for the grip for the right hand. This is usually oriented more to the right, sometimes it points more to the left toward the scythe blade. Regardless of direction, the following applies:

  • The grips should fit comfortably in the hand.
  • Unlacquered wooden grips are often preferable to lacquered ones because they absorb hand moisture better.
  • A good form of the right grip is particularly important, as this is where the main force transmission occurs.

How the grips are specifically adjusted for your body height is covered in detail in the chapter “Properly Adjusting the Scythe.”

Recommendations for Getting Started

For getting started, you can remember the following points:

  • Choose a scythe snath whose length is approximately your body height minus 25 cm.
  • For upright, easy mowing, double-grip scythe snaths with a high or medium-height crutch are well suited.
  • Look for a solid tang section with a cleanly formed or well-chiseled nib hole.
  • Prefer sturdy, unlacquered wooden grips that fit comfortably in your hand.

In the next chapter, we turn to properly adjusting the scythe. There you will learn how the scythe blade and scythe snath are joined using the scythe ring, how to adjust the blade position, and how to set the grips so that an upright, energy-saving mowing posture is possible.