Seymour SN-9 Aluminum Snath

This scythe fits perfectly on with the Seymour scythe blades you can buy on Amazon for about 40 bucks. (http://www.amazon.com/Seymour-2B-42G30-Grass-Scythe-Blade/dp/B000H5RYR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423844247&sr=8-1&keywords=scythe+blade) I've used this scythe, fitted with a bush blade and a grass blade, depending on what I'm cutting, for two years now and think it's great. Here are 5 things to consider when buying this scythe:1. You need a sharpener. I use this one, and it's great: http://www.amazon.com/Ali-Ind-6055-Scythe-Stone/dp/B000BQNXQ6/ref=pd_bxgy_lg_img_y Now, this has nothing to do with the blade quality itself. Working a scythe simply means taking a break once in a while to run your stone over the blade. Sharpening is easy, and you'll appreciate the break!2. Working a scythe is hard work. I've found that an hour a day is more than I can do, so keeping track of a couple of acres means scything a few times a week.3. Note that the blade really matters, meaning that a bush blade is a good all-purpose blade and a grass blade is much better for grass. You'll find the grass blade makes much quicker work of hay and wheat and grasses.4. A note of caution: if you're using the aluminum handle, you need to stay away from power lines and extension cords. Traditional scythes have wood handles, keeping you safe. The aluminum scythe can be a deadly conductor.5. When installing the blade, you should have a couple of options in terms of the cutting angle. Play around with what works for you, as the ergonomics of scything are pretty personal.

This is surprisingly light-weight. I read it was light, but reviews don't even begin to give that statement any weight! It's sturdy though.It's a workout to use, especially if you're doing it wrong and wildly swinging it like I was my first time out. I did 1/3 of my front yard (it's a good sized yard on a hill, so it's a little more awkward...) and had to break and use a mower. Take the time to watch some videos on youtube, and you'll see how graceful the movement is. With some practice, I know I'll get better. This and a good blade are excellent tools- whether you are looking to get some practical exercise outdoors, prep for shtf, or have a broken mower...As others have mentioned, the handles have the bolts shaved off for some stupid reason and are indeed threaded backwards. I was able to get one sort of loose, but the other I had no luck with. Thankfully, it's not something I needed to adjust- was just curious. They shouldn't do that, and leave the user the option- it'd save them time and effort at the factory anyway.

Good snath for person under 6' tall. Strong. Much cheaper than wood. I have 18" brush blade. Works well on vines and > 1/2" saplings, poison oak, etc. In the right conditions its as fast as a weed machine with a blade, but quiet and doesnt throw pitch and pieces all over u.

Item is as described, except for the handles - not adjustable by any non-destructive means. I haven't taken a big wrench to them because I'm debating returning the snath and damaging the handles would seem to void the return policy. I am 5'7" and the left handle is almost correctly placed for my height...but not quite. So depending how much the oversized package shipping + up to 25% restocking fee runs, I'm not sure whether I'll return it or take a chance. Without aggressive tools, there really is no way to loosen the handles, it seems; no way to grip the things other than by the wood as the ends are sawed off smooth. And the wood is so soft, even fingernails make impressions in it. Very disappointing. I'll pay closer attention to the negative reviews on products in future, this seems to be an ongoing issue with this product.

After installing the blade, it is very light to use and worth its money

Lightweight, does just what it's supposed to, but the grips on mine were too tight. I had to use a pipe wrench to loosen them and one of the wooden handles splintered. I should have tried a few drops of penetrating oil first to see if that would loosen them though. I epoxied the broken one back together and will just call it good.This is as thick as the overweight wooden snaths (that were more commercial and need to be thinned down for normal use), but much lighter.EDIT: Lowered my rating by a star because of the handles. Once I got them loosened and adjusted to the right location and angle, I tightened them back down. However no matter how tight I've been able to get them, even using locking pliers [like Vice Grips (R)] to the point of splitting the wood, they still will rotate around the main tube in use. They just will not clamp down securely. The metal band will not conform and hold tight. I'm in the process of looking for replacement handles and if I can't find them I'm going to have to buy a different snath that is usable. Maybe something with flats to prevent rotation.

Doesn’t rot and works well

Snath arrived quickly and in good condition. This snath is very ergonomic and feels great in the hands. Matched it with the Seymour 24" blade, and to my surprise, no bending of the blade tang was necessary. Also, no adjustment of the handles was necessary; the cubit length was close enough for me out of the box. The only complaint is that I attempted to loosen the handles just to see how easily they could be adjusted. They were so tight they required a padded vise to loosen.An unexpected bonus: My antique "Briars Edge" 30" scythe blade fits this snath like a glove.