GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - 2-Stroke, Unleaded to Superunleaded

12-07-2005, 03:44 AM

wrote:
Well you have to pound the edge thin to work harden it between a cross
pein hammer and a small anvil and then use a scythe stone to dress the
edge.
If the edge is just continually stoned it just gets thicker or worn
away but when you beat it out it lasts and you get good cutting.

Yeah, I watched my Opa and my cousins do that, many years ago, when I
was much, much younger. I don't have the requisite anvil, though I
suppose I could use the chunk of rail I have. They had an anvil mounted
at one end of a nicely made, which they straddled while beating out the
scythe's edge, so it was a relatively comfortable job for them. I
remember the lovely ringing of the steel. Beating out the edge also
work-hardens it, so it keeps its sharpness longer.

I think I'll just indulge in some nostalgic memories instead of actually
using the scythe, if you don't mind. :-)