Retail Catalogue--Section 1

2/6/08: PLEASE NOTE: We have temporarily stopped taking orders for scythes, and will not reply to purchase inquiries for now. Thanks for your patience. During the period when we are not selling scythes (June/July) and any time thereafter, you may purchase a scythe from one of the people listed here. Alexander Vido at ScytheWorks carries many of the items found in our catalogue.

April 2008

Time for a Change...

After two years of mail-order scythe selling, with a high investment of our time, some modifications to our approach may be called for. To better accommodate the spectrum of customer tendencies, we have now divided our catalogue into two sections:
1. The "simplified route" to a good scythe.
2. The more diverse section here.

The distinction between them is not necessarily of the first section being for beginners and the second for experienced users. Rather, Section 1 is designed for folks who tend to avoid "too much" reading and considering, yet still plan to obtain a better-than-average scythe. Here we do not encumber the "in-a-hurry" customers with more specific information than may be necessary. The listed blades are compatible with the one snath model offered (more so than is the case with many other sources). The options are few and simple, yet perhaps sufficient for the apparent needs of the average scythe users in North America today. (This, of course, may change as more folks are "inspired" to adjust to living without cheap oil... but then there is the much greater selection in Section 2.)

In both sections we have taken a departure from the present custom of dividing the blades into "grass", "bush" and "ditch" categories -- because such divisions can be misleading with respect to the application of each blade, all of which are more versatile than is generally understood. For a discussion on this topic, see
"What in the World is a Grass Blade?".

In another divergence from our 2006/07 blade descriptions, we no longer refer to specific blade models as "Belgian", "North German" pattern, etc.

Please note that the stock of ALL blades we offer is limited. This is because they were made between 20 and 50 years ago and are no longer in stock at the sources.

Rules of thumb in application (opens a new window)

Some hints on selection--

1. For small-scale "general purpose" (i.e. a little of everything) or a first-time scythe experience, we suggest:

#14 - 60cm 420g. $64.00

2. For cutting predominantly a mixture of grass and tougher kinds of "weeds":

a) #12 - 50cm 450g. $56.00
b) #14 - 65cm 520g. $68.00
c) #15 - 65cm 480g. $72.00

3. For more enjoyable cutting of lawns or less wild and rough-terrain grasslands:
#2 - 70cm 420 $75.00, or
#2 - 75cm 460g $80.00

During the Golden Era of the Scythe, when practically every European country dweller owned one and used it seriously, few blades were heavier than these. Strong as those folks were, they understood that per unit of energy expended, a thinner/lighter blade helped them accomplish more. However, at such a low weight-to-length ratio these require more sensible (though not necessarily more experienced) hands than the three previous models.

All blades we sell are ready for immediate use. For more on the preparation of a new blade, see this link.

The snath:

This 2005 innovation is a direct result of our dissatisfaction with all commercially produced snaths. Developed in Austria as a collaborative project with two technicians at the Schröckenfux scythe factory. Made of European ash, with adjustable grips which will not become loose over time. Complete with blade-attachment ring/clamp, snath saver and a wooden wedge to fine-tune the blade-to-ground angle. Manufactured in Switzerland.

With respect to "ergonomics" (as well as workmanship quality), this snath surpasses by a considerable margin all models sold by other North American sources to date. Read more here.

*150cm/59" - $75.00
*160cm/63" - $80.00

Sharpening Accessories:

For a brief reference guide regarding the various methods of scythe blade sharpening, see this table, or download a copy in Word.

• 1. An 8" flat file - $6.00


• 2. The peening jig - $45.00 More info on its use.


• 3. The narrow-faced anvil:
  a) economy model - coming soon - $10.00
  b) high quality model - $28.00


• 4. Synthetic scythe whetstones:
  a) 120 grit, "European" style - preferably used with water - $6.00
  b) 80 grit - British/American style - can be used dry - $8.00


• 5. Natural whetstone - Bregenzer - $8.00


• 6. Watertight whetstone holder
  solid copper - $12.00
  aluminum - $7.00



Sharpening kits:

• 1) Economy -
  a) for the least discriminating users: mill file and "dry" stone - $12.00
  b) flat file, "Euro" synthetic stone, aluminum holder - $16.00


• 2) Standard - for most beginners wanting better blade-edge maintenance:
  *Peening jig
  *"Euro" synthetic stone
  *Bregenzer natural stone
  *Aluminum or copper stone-holder
  Package price - $60.00 with aluminum holder, $64.00 with copper.

*If you are in western Canada, you may purchase a scythe from Alexander Vido in Victoria, British Columbia. E-mail: scytheworks@shaw.ca   or phone 250-598-0588. He will provide you with most of the supplies found in our catalogue, also by mail-order. Alexander has learned scything from us and is now teaching on the west coast.

*If you are in the American Midwest (or elsewhere!), contact Botan Anderson about purchases and workshops. Botan sells scythes at his workshops, at his farm in Wilson, Wisconsin, and in limited amounts by mail-order. He attended our Scythe Symposium and Workshops in 2006 and has taught several courses of his own since. He has a selection of blades and accessories and some snaths. Website: mysticprairie.net

These people sell, for now, a basic scythe outfit (click for photos) and in the future will expand their offerings. Please contact them individually for pricing and other details. More info will be listed here as it becomes available.

For help with choosing a blade, read this note, or this chapter on Blade Selection

#2

Made in Austria in 1983 as part of a special order from Iran. This model is presently the lightest weight-per-length we sell.
70 cm. - 420g. $75
75 cm. - 460g. $80
Tang angle - 25 degrees

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#12

Suitable for general trimming in closely spaced orchards, small fruit culture or nurseries, around buildings, and under electric fences. Stiff enough to handle most "weeds" and small saplings.

50 cm. - 450g. $56
Tang angle - 22 degrees

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#14

Previously we may have called this a grass blade. In reality they are simply scythe blades -- in the middle range, neither too heavy nor too light, a good choice for the average beginner and average cutting situation. They fit well on our Swiss-made snaths.

60 cm. - 420g. $64
65cm. - 520g. $68
Tang angle - 25 degrees

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#15

Info coming soon

65cm. - 480g. $72
Tang angle - 25 degrees

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Snaths

Swiss-made Ash Wood Snath with Adjustable Grips: $75-$80.

Supplied with a high-quality blade-attachment ring and a snath saver.
Read more about this snath here.

Instructions for making a simple yet very functional one-grip snath can be found here. We sell the grips and blade attachment rings, yet even these can be homemade.

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"Slovak-style" wooden hand grip $6

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Accessories

Peening Jig This item, we believe, ought to be in the possession of nearly everyone learning to use the scythe because, without good live instruction and considerable practice, few beginners manage to do a satisfactory job of edge beveling "freehand". Read detailed instructions for using the peening jig here. 840g. $45

Whetstones

Note: These whetstones should be kept in water between uses, therefore we strongly recommend having a watertight whetstone holder to carry to the field with you. If used dry, the stone will not only wear faster but the surface will clog with dust and with metal particles, rendering it much less effective.

Synthetic
120 grit. For use following peening with the jig, for whetting bush blades,
and for repairing minor edge damage. $6

Natural "Bregenzer" 250g. $10 Our best all-purpose stone for in-the-field whetting. These came from a once-famous quarry that ceased operations prior to WWII. In Austria long classified as "fine", it is about 300 grit.

Watertight Whetstone Holders

Solid Copper (145 g) $12 An uncommon item; copper stone holders were unheard of until we commissioned an order to be made for us in 2000. (These also spent two years in Panalpina's prison...read the story)

Aluminum
(45g) $7

Hammer and Anvil Superb-quality "Narrow-faced" Anvil for Freehand Peening and Edge Repair: 500g. $28

Cross-Peen Hammer
$12. Not necessary unless you use the style of freehand peening with the "flat" or "wide" anvil. The "narrow" anvil above does not require any special hammer, and neither does the peening jig.

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Blade Attachment Rings ("Ring Clamps")

#2 (35x35mm, 105g.) $6 #3 (32x40mm, 135g.) $8 #3½ (32x45mm, 145g.) $8. #4 (40x40mm, 150g.) $8 All the rings we sell hold the blade in place considerably better than most on the international market (the set screws have finer threads, are placed on a diagonal in the base plate, and the high-quality hex wrench/Allen key provided with each won't twist off or strip as do many cheap versions.) The seams of all but #2 are welded (not riveted), and with thicker steel walls, are probably the most "indestructible" ones anywhere on the market. All but #2 are galvanized. The #4 is probably the best size for anyone making their own snath, particularly from "wild wood" i.e. not sawn lumber.

Instructional DVD made at Dick Tools GmbH's educational centre in Bavaria, Germany where a sequence of 8-hour scythe courses are taught each May. The techniques are demonstrated by Peter Vido and Ernst Schoiswohl, who were the instructors in 2005. 16 minutes. $18 *SOLD OUT*

We do not sell The Scythe Book. Instead, we have posted the chapters from The Scythe Must Dance (the practical "Addendum" by Peter Vido) here, free for the reading and printing. Most have been revised, as should be, from time to time, any instructional text written by one who is still learning. Normally this would be accomplished in co-operation with the publisher whenever another printing of the original book is made. However, we were not given the opportunity to do so, even though other printings have been made since the second edition's publication in 2001, and we have therefore opted to make the improved material accessible free of charge for anyone.

Ordering Information:

A simple order form can be found here.

All prices are in Canadian currency: nearly on par with U.S. at this time. We treat the two currencies as equal. The banks charge 4-5% to convert money, so slight differences either way are gobbled up by this, meaning we usually lose...

If you think our prices are comparatively high, please note what we do as standard service:

1. All blades have had their edges cleaned of paint and lacquer, then hand-peened and honed ready to use (read more). Peening is purpose-specific, i.e. different for lawn grass, tough "weeds", raspberry canes, real "brush/bushes", and so on. If a customer does not specify, the blades shipped in late summer or autumn when most plants are mature are peened less thin than those sold in the spring or early summer.

2. Blades are supplied with a wooden wedge, to be fitted between the tang and the snath in order to change the edge-to-ground angle if necessary, such as when two people of different heights use the same scythe. Each snath is also supplied with a ring clamp - sold separately by other dealers for $8.00 - and a snath saver -- a specialty small metal plate that helps prevent breakage of the snath when the scythe is used too energetically.

3. Personalized fitting - tapering or angling of the snath's end to match the specific blade model (for more on this, see Snath and Blade Fitting).

4. Consultation to help you choose the equipment most likely suited to your needs.

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Postage and handling rates within Canada (subject to change) --

For a complete scythe, including the snath, one or two blades, and sharpening accessories: about $35
For one or two blades and accessories: about $20
For other items, including stones, rings and other small items: about $15

Rates to the U.S. are $40-$45 for a complete scythe, and about $25 for one to three blades with accessories. Contact us for details.

We normally ship by Regular ("Expedited") Parcel within Canada, and by "Expedited Parcel" to the U.S.; overseas by arrangement. If you send an email with the details of your order, I will calculate the postage rate and inform you. You may also request express/air shipping; I can send you a quote and the expected delivery time. (Note: We have shipped some U.S. orders by FedEx Ground or UPS, from Maine (there are no depots nearby in N.B.) We live near the border, and sometimes I drive over to Maine and ship several orders at once from there. The U.S. customs handling fee of $10.75 per trip is offset by the lower shipping rate and shorter delivery time, as well as better shipment tracking, but we still charge the same postage/handling rates to compensate for the thirty-mile drive (each way) and the filling out of customs paperwork.

We do not currently deal with credit cards or other forms of electronic payment. The most expedient option is to send us a money order (postal order or bank draft). A personal check takes one to two weeks to clear. Cash is also fine; please send by registered mail.

Checks or money orders should be payable to Kai Vido and mailed to:
1636 Kintore Rd.
Lower Kintore, New Brunswick
E7H 2L4 Canada

OR my address in Maine--but PLEASE send me an email before sending anything to this address, as I check it sporadically and no more than once a week:

Kai Vido
26 North Street, P.M.B. 161
Presque Isle, Maine 04769

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23 May 2006
Modified 25 Jun. 2008

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