American or European?

I think I what type of scythe I have but it's all so new to me can someone help out?

American or European?

Appears to not TRULY be either but it's more similar to a European style. Would need better pictures to confirm, especially off the snath if you're able.

Does this help?

That does help. It's definitely neither. It appears to be a scythe-like object. I was able to find examples of the same blade and snath on Amazon and it was universally low-rated in reviews. One listing showed a picture of the entire blade bent in the middle, supposedly from cutting grass. It's definitely press-formed stamped steel, and not sufficiently hardened like an American blade, nor is it tensioned like European blades.

Because it's so special would you recommend not peening the blade?

Cheryl Loomans wrote:Because it's so special would you recommend not peening the blade?

I'm not sure that special is the word I'd use. Given that it is apparently quite soft, it will probably peen readily despite looking to be thicker than quality European style blades. I think it is probably not worth the effort, but if you are dead set on attempting to put it to work, file it to an edge first, with about a 15° angle on the upper face only, until that bevel is brought all the way to an apex. Then peen it.  It will benefit from very fine and slow-cutting stones due to its softness, and a wooden whipping stick will help draw out any misalignments of the edge after honing. But it's a lot of effort to sink into a blade that is unlikely to perform well even under ideal conditions.  

I'm curious how it will work.  If you try it, please keep us updated.

Thank you! I will update- currently don't have enough green grass here yet.

Hi Benjamin,

I am curious. What would you recommend for a beginner?

John F Dean wrote:Hi Benjamin,

I am curious. What would you recommend for a beginner?

Visit garage sales and farm sales and buy several old ones.