00:00 Preparation with a soft half round file
00:36 Beginning of the demonstration of the two peening gestures
00:57 First gesture : form a hollow behind the wire
01:42 Second gesture : flattening and stretching the wire
02:15 Summary of the consecutive effects of the two gestures
02:35 Resuming hammering and other tips
03:17 Test of the nail
03:35 Assembly of the blade on its snath
04:23 Fixing and adjusting the central handle
04:58 Attaching and adjusting the secondary handle
05:29 Adjustment of the hafting angle
06:27 Presentation of the scythe stones
06:51 Use of the synthetic stone: refining the peening
07:19 Use of natural stone: sharpening the wire
08:34 Use of the natural stone: straightening the wire
09:56 Checking before mowing
10:13 Demonstration of how good it cuts
10:51 Use of a stick to straighten and polish the wire
11:32 Mowing
12:03 Picking up the hay

What helped me the most in learning how to sharpen tools was understanding how the metal reacted under my actions. I took the time to edit a new video with diagrams, in order to make clear what the eye does not see. You will also see again how to mount and adjust the blade and the handles on the scythe snath.

I have tried to be exhaustive, but it is impossible to fit everything in a reasonable time. On the other hand, a beginner who practices by watching this video before and during, should have a good base to learn how to mow without having someone who knows how to do it nearby.

The technique I am proposing has no historical, scientific or other basis. I don't think it's the one and only one to follow, but it works.

Be careful, it is a more advanced method than in the previous videos. I won't go back to the basics (how to hold the blade, etc.) so I invite you to review the basics if necessary to learn how to freehand whip:    • Les bases pour aiguiser une faux (fau...  

You can find the tools on my store : https://www.la-frontiere.fr
Falci scythe blade, 60cm, model 100
Half round soft file, double size, Tomé Fetéira 25cm
Falci's aluminium model faulx handle, 750g
Carborundum stone (synthetic)
Natural stone from the Pyrenees "La Préférée