Understanding the Scythe: Structure and Terminology

This chapter is about better understanding the scythe as a tool.
If you know the most important parts and terms, you will be able to follow instructions for adjusting, sharpening, and mowing much more easily later on.

A ready-to-use scythe consists essentially of four parts:

  • the snath (worb),
  • the scythe blade,
  • the scythe ring for attachment,
  • and the scythe wrench for tightening the screws.

In addition, there is the sharpening tool and some accessories. In the following, we will examine the individual parts and the most important terms in more detail.

The Snath (Worb)

The snath is the handle of the scythe. At the lower end, the scythe blade is attached by means of the scythe ring. The shape and size of the snath largely determine how easily and ergonomically you can mow.

In German-speaking regions, the snath is often also called Worb. Depending on the region, there are other dialectal terms.

A snath consists essentially of:

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

On the tang section there is:

  • the nib hole (or a corresponding notch), into which the nib of the scythe blade engages during assembly,
  • a rounded top side, so that the scythe ring fits well,
  • a flat underside, on which the tang of the scythe blade rests.

Important points about the snath:

  • It must match your body height.
  • The grips must be attached or adjusted so that you can assume an upright, relaxed mowing posture.

We will address these topics in more detail in the later chapters on adjusting the scythe and mowing posture.

The Scythe Blade – Basic Structure

The scythe blade is the working part of the scythe. It cuts the grass and largely determines how the scythe behaves in the crop (light, heavy, fine, coarse).

Regardless of length and shape, all scythe blades have some common functional features. The most important terms for the blade are:

  • Edge
    The narrow, sharpened area on the underside of the blade with which the grass is cut. The edge consists of the bevel and the beard.
  • Point
    The front, narrow end of the blade.
  • Heel
    The rear area, close to the snath. Here the blade is wider. Heel and point are important reference points, e.g., when setting the blade.
  • Back
    The reinforced top edge of the blade for stiffening, extending from the point to the heel.
  • Tang
    The angled, narrow part at the end of the blade. The blade is attached to the snath via the tang using the scythe ring.
  • Nib
    A protruding pin or spike on the tang. During assembly, the nib engages in the nib hole on the snath and prevents the blade from twisting.
  • Heel / Neck
    The transition area where the back merges into the tang.

These parts together form the connection between the snath and the edge and are important when you later properly attach and adjust the blade to the snath.

Cutting Area: Bevel, Beard, and Curve

In the area of the edge, there are some special terms that play a role in connection with sharpness, peening, and mowing behavior:

  • Curve
    The arc of the edge from the point to the heel. The degree of the curve influences, among other things, the guidance of the scythe and mowing behavior.
  • Bevel
    Traditional term for the approximately 2–4 mm wide cutting zone on the scythe blade. In this area, the actual edge is created through peening and whetting.
  • Beard
    The outermost part of the edge that yields when lightly brushed with a fingernail. A well-peened beard is fine, uniform, and yet resilient.

These terms are especially important when it comes to peening, whetting, and assessing an edge. We will discuss this in more detail in the chapter “Sharpening the Scythe – Peening and Whetting.”

Scythe Ring and Scythe Wrench

The scythe ring is an inconspicuous but indispensable component. Without it, the scythe blade cannot be securely attached to the snath.

Function of the scythe ring:

  • It presses the tang of the scythe blade firmly against the tang section of the snath.
  • At the same time, the nib is pressed into the nib hole.
  • This fixes the blade in the desired position.

There are different versions of scythe rings (e.g., with ring screw or with internal square screws) and in different sizes for wooden and metal snaths.

The scythe wrench is the appropriate tool for tightening the screws on the scythe ring. With it, you can mount the blade, change the position of the blade (e.g., when setting), and loosen the blade to clean, sharpen, or replace it.

The snaths available from us come with matching scythe rings and corresponding scythe wrenches.

How the scythe ring is used when adjusting the scythe is covered in detail in the chapter “Adjusting the Scythe Correctly.”

Sharpening Tools and Accessories

A ready-to-use scythe also includes some tools with which you ensure a sharp edge:

  • Whetstone
    For regular whetting during mowing. It is carried in a whetstone holder.
  • Whetstone holder
    Container for the whetstone. It is worn on the belt or waistband filled with water during mowing, so you can quickly touch up the edge at any time.
  • Peening hammer and peening anvil
    For peening the edge. By carefully forging the cutting zone, the bevel area is thinned and the fine beard is created.
  • Peening jig / striking peening jig (depending on design)
    An alternative method for peening, in which the strike is guided by the device. For beginners, this can be a help to achieve uniform results.

These tools ensure that the scythe always cuts well. We explain the exact handling in the chapter “Sharpening the Scythe – Peening and Whetting.”

Why the Terms Are Important

The parts and terms presented here form the basis for all further steps:

  • When adjusting the scythe, you need to know where the tang, nib, tang section, and scythe ring are located.
  • When sharpening, bevel, beard, and edge play a central role.
  • When mowing, terms such as heel, point, and curve are important, e.g., when setting the blade and guiding the scythe along the ground.

In the next chapters, we will therefore proceed step by step: First, we will examine the scythe blade in more detail – with length, shape, and selection criteria. Then follows the snath with size, shape, and grip arrangement. Subsequently, we will cover the correct adjustment of the scythe and finally sharpening and mowing in practice.