Scythe sharpener - Wooden strop 41 cm, coarse grit

Scythe sharpener or Strekel, 41 cm long, wooden handle fitted with a coarse carborundum grit. Suitable for stropping (sharpening) e.g. a scythe, brush hook or ditch blade.

During mowing it's advisable to strop every 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps the scythe's edge nice and sharp and means the blade needs to be peened less often.

First wipe the blade clean with a cloth or a bundle of freshly cut grass. Place the tip of the scythe snath or handle in the ground for stability. For the first pass, place the whetstone flat (± 10°) on the hollow side of the blade at the top. Pull in a smooth motion away from your body toward the tip. Turn the scythe slightly and stroke back along the convex underside for the second pass, but with less pressure. The second pass is to remove burrs.

For inspection, look along the cutting edge of the scythe at an angle. When it gleams evenly without dull spots or burrs, the scythe is sharp again.