Scythe Blade Low-poly 3D model

The 18th-Century Scythe

The scythe was a vital agricultural tool in the 18th century, used primarily for harvesting crops like wheat, barley, and hay. It featured a long, curved blade attached to a wooden handle (called a snath) and was swung in a wide arc to cut large amounts of vegetation efficiently.

Key Features of an 18th-Century Scythe

• Blade: Made of iron or steel, curved for effective slicing.

• Snath (Handle): Typically wooden, often slightly curved for ergonomic use.

• Hand Grips: Small wooden grips (called nibs) attached to the snath for better control.

• Maintenance: Blades required frequent sharpening using a whetstone.

During this period, scythes were essential for manual farming, as mechanical harvesters were not yet widely available. Skilled workers, called reapers or mowers, could cut vast fields using well-maintained scythes.