Why don't we sell cheap scythes?
"I'm not rich enough to buy cheap things."
Is this true?
Before we think about the truth of this statement, let's take a look at the scythes available on the market today.
Scythes are divided into two types according to how they are manufactured.
- Rolled scythes, also known as half-forged scythes
- Forged scythes
Although many scythes on the market are labelled as forged or Austrian, the opposite is true. In fact, in ordinary shops you will find almost exclusively rolled or semi-forged scythes made everywhere except Austria. The production of such scythes is a machine process and, in combination with cheaper steel, these scythes can be offered for €30, sometimes even for €15.
Where does this saving show up?
The properties of steel depend, among other things, on its carbon content. If the carbon content is too high, the steel is hard but also brittle. Semi-forged scythes made of cheap steel often have a carbon content of more than 1%. It is not unusual for the blades of semi-forged scythes to be so hard and thick that they can crack during peening.
Scythe blades made of poor quality steel.
Small cracks can lead to the blade breaking off over time, known as tooth breakage.
Genuine Austrian scythes are made in the traditional way - hot forged using heavy hammers. Although these hammers are now powered by electricity, the principle of scythe production has remained unchanged for centuries. Thanks to the high-quality material (with a carbon content of 0.7-0.8%) and the manufacturing process, forged scythes are thinner, lighter, have a sharp cutting edge and are relatively easy to peen. The labour-intensive production and more expensive material are naturally reflected in the price.
There are only three factories in the world that still produce scythes using traditional methods. One of them is Schröckenfux Austria, whose genuine Austrian scythes we offer.
It's true.
If you don't want your money to end up as a decoration on the wall of a barn, invest in a quality scythe. Only a quality forged scythe can be sharpened to a sharpness that will allow you to really enjoy mowing. And with good care, such a scythe will last for years. The only problem may be that you will want to buy another one :-)