As the reader of this phlog can see, I have a predilection for
things retro.  Having said that, I do also have an appreciation
for modern technology IF it is appropriate technology that truly
adds value to my life.  I will leave it to the reader to set the
bar for themselves regarding the last statement.

Today's rambling will be about garden low tech, more specifically
the venerable scythe:

http://tinyurl.com/mq6llla

Obviously, this device is going to weigh in at a fraction of what
my gas powered string trimmer weighs (I am quite exhausted after
just a few minutes with the motorized string trimmer) and without
the noxious fumes and ear piercing noise, I think I am convinced.
Elegant simplicity and very efficient.  From an economic angle,
it simply makes more sense.  All of the engineering, mechanical
moving parts (which will invariably wear out), ancillary products
required for maintenance etc bring in a significantly higher long
term cost (Ah, but we want to improve the nation's GDP numbers,
but that is another rant). Then there is a time cost.  For a tool
that is supposed to save us time, if you factor in the time
required to procure fuel, oil, maintenance and the demonstrated
inefficiency of the device one has to wonder why we go through
all of the effort to whirl a piece of fishing line at high speed
to cut a weed. The scythe, on the other hand, will last virtually
forever if properly maintained.  As the reader can see from some
of the videos from the below link, the scythe can out perform
many of the powered implements.

http://tinyurl.com/zj2p4qf

As I have probably mentioned before, I am admittedly a slave to
conveniences, but when I rediscover a low tech device that is
demonstrably more efficient than its modern counterparts, I will
go for it.  I recently purchased a german hand crank drill for
similar reasons.  I have found that I have been spending an
inordinate amount of time charging batteries (that are quite
expensive to replace after they have gone south) or hunting for
an extension cord just to drill a hole although I will be the
first to admit that if there is a time crunch on large carpentry
projects, power tools are certainly desirable, but maybe not
better.  It's handy to have a crank drill in my tool bag as I may
simply need to drill a pilot hole or there is no power available
where I am working.  No need for expensive batteries, charging
controllers etc.  Call it degadgetizing.  There are also some
arguments, not without merit, that many of these gadgets are not
sustainable when one considers that the tremendous amount of
energy input required to manufacture, maintain and finally
dispose of said gadget throughout its product life cycle.

I spoke with a very helpful woman with Scythe Supply in Maine as
I had several questions while making my order.  The order process
itself was quite educational.  The wooden snath (the stem of the
unit) is cut and steam bent to fit the user.  They required my
height, the distance from the floor to the widest part of the hip
and the distance from the elbow to the fingertip.  We discussed
the type of terrain as well as the type of grass and weeds I will
be mowing.  Her suggestion was a 24" ditch blade which she felt
would most likely take care of most of my needs, but there might
be a possibility I might need at some point in the future a brush
blade which is shorter and heavier.  It is interesting to note
that the Austrian company that supplies many of their blades has
been forging scythe blades since 1540.  After 477 years, I figure
they probably know what they are doing.  I decided to order an
entire outfit which comes with the snath, blade, whetstone,
whetstone holder for the belt (keeps the stone wet), peening jig
and finally the scythe book.  It's up to me to practice and
become proficient with the tool, but I think the people at scythe
supply have had to do their share of hand holding while customers
learn.  Their experience has been that new scythers should stick
with blades under 28".  The unusually heavy rains and warmer than
normal winter has resulted in a good deal more grass and weed
growth.  What was once a one time yearly expense of having
someone come and mow the property has now become significantly
more expensive since someone has to mow multiple times.  At $300
a pop, it adds up quick.  Although the work with the scythe will
have to be spread out over several days, it looks like it will be
doable.

Stay tuned...