Lien och slipbladet - några utövare och deras kunskaper

Sammanfattning: With the long use of the scythe in the Swedish landscape, traditions and methods have developed around the craft, which today makes it an important cultural heritage to preserve. Traditionally the grinding blade have been used in Sweden as a result of the extensive scythe forged that have existed in our country. The purpose of this study has been to document the knowledge of some practitioners of the scythe and the grinding blade today. For example, where their knowledge originates from and what difficulties maintaining the craft are brought forward. The study has been carried out through two deeper interviews and two more general interviews with practitioners. In addition to the interviews, a compilation of knowledge about the scythe and the grinding blade has been made. The results show that all interviewees have a broad knowledge of the scythe and that some of the knowledge has been passed down from older people or older generation. Depending on the purpose of using the scythe and availability, it differs which blade or shaft is chosen. When the purpose is to annually manage mowing fields in a certain location, the focus becomes getting a tool that works optimally at the location. You might then make our own shaft and use blades that are traditionally made. But if the purpose instead is to lead a course about the scythe it becomes more important finding shafts and blades that are available for many. The new all-steel blades and fabricated shafts are therefore chosen. Since there are also few options of obtaining new grinding stones today it creates difficulties for new users and big assemblies. The field therefore is mixed and for example contains of both old traditionally made blades as well as new steel blades. To be able to maintain and preserve the scythe and grinding blade we need to pay attention to these differences and find solutions for each of them. With joint commitment, additional knowledge and finding ways forward the use of the scythe with grinding blade can continue.