We have the Fiskars version. Getting rid of the petrol lawnmower was one of the better decisions. Now, I can just do the odd bit of grass cutting when I'm in the mood - ten minutes here or there - as a manual mower is so convenient.
We do have a couple of geese who make excellent mowers too, so long as they're kept confined to smallish areas.
I experience pleasure and pains, and pursue goals in service of them, so I cannot reasonably deny the right of other sentient agents to do the same - Steven Pinker
I used to have a push mower, and could cut a pretty large area of grass almost as quickly as using a petrol rotary mower, as long as I did it regularly.
stevecook172001 wrote:The simplest way and, presumably, the greenest way (because of the simple manufacturing and maintainence) to cut a lawn is with one of these....
I experience pleasure and pains, and pursue goals in service of them, so I cannot reasonably deny the right of other sentient agents to do the same - Steven Pinker
RenewableCandy wrote:Bare feet! He's confident! (But far, far too right-handed).
It's no problem for the users as their feet are always a long way from the blade. It's the bystanders who have to worry. The blade will slice through a 1/2" sapling like it wasn't there.
I have quite a bit of experience using a scythe. Level ground is not a requirement unless you trying to impress bystanders. I wouldn't cut barefoot as the stubble's from woody plants can be sharp. A razor sharp blade and knowing how to whet it are key as well as avoiding trying to cut rocks or wire. That sounds silly but my first mowing job was to cut around the fence edges the horse draw mower couldn't reach. A stone wall or a strand of barbed wire in range of every swing. Dusty old memories.
I was scything some land I was clearing yesterday, very slowly and gently to avoid hitting stuff hidden in the grass. At least that's my excuse for not appearing very energetic .
JohnB wrote:I was scything some land I was clearing yesterday, very slowly and gently to avoid hitting stuff hidden in the grass. At least that's my excuse for not appearing very energetic .
That works for me these days as well. Swing easy with rhythm and don't reach too far or wide.
According to the Office for National Statistics (as published in the Daily Telegraph 15/3/2012):
Between November 2011 & January 2012 the number of people working part time because they could not find a full-time job has reached a record 1.38 million, increasing by 110,000 in that 3 month period. The number of part time workers grew by 60,000 to 6.61 million total, while just 3000 full time roles were created.
A further 2.3 million Britons classed as "economically inactive", such as looking after a family, said they wanted a job but could not find one.
According to the Lloyds TSB "Spending Power" report 46% of UK consumers are putting at least three quarters of their income towards bills & other essentials [Daily Telegraph 19/3/12]
In a different article on same day the Bank of America is cited as saying in a published note:
" For 2012 we believe the global economy cannot afford oil prices above $130."
A global recession is anticipated if prices increase beyond that point & stay there for some time.
I have quite a bit of experience using a scythe. Level ground is not a requirement unless you trying to impress bystanders. I wouldn't cut barefoot as the stubble's from woody plants can be sharp. A razor sharp blade and knowing how to whet it are key as well as avoiding trying to cut rocks or wire. That sounds silly but my first mowing job was to cut around the fence edges the horse draw mower couldn't reach. A stone wall or a strand of barbed wire in range of every swing. 
Dusty old memories.