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I love to use scythes for most trimming purposes... consider them much more fun and faster than weedeaters. I've recently discovered a few things useful to know regarding their use. I have the traditional American bent wood snathe scythes (also some smaller one handers of my own design). I have found that it is much faster to reshape a bevel by using the 4 1/2" grinder with a flap wheel than by the old way with a hammer and anvil. The traditional system apparently works better on the European style scythes (which are supposedly softer steel). I have also discovered that the traditional scythe stone will impart a superior edge on the blade (once properly beveled). The apparent reason is that the relatively coarse grit of the scythe stones creates a finely toothed edge that cuts much better than a smoother edge can. Especially in tall grass/weeds the scythe will outwork the weedeaters and works quietly and without covering you with dust and mulch! Scythes will also take down saplings and tough fibrous weeds that weedeaters couldn't touch unless fitted with a steel blade. A further advantage is that the scythe does NOT mulch the foliage so that appropriate plants can be forked up and fed to the horses! Leastways that's what we do with the tall grasses here. I'd love to hear from other scythe users and scythe makers and maybe to convert a few new ones too!