While everyone with a garden probably owns a trusty fork or shovel, not many people consider picking up a garden scythe, but they're actually one of the most useful tools for everyday gardening. Whether you want to trim a hedge, cut back some unruly bushes, or need to get into those hard to reach places around a patio, a scythe could really help you out.
Scythes nowadays aren't just those large items you imagine people used before lawnmowers or trimmers were invented. Now, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes under various names. While not technically scythes in the strictest sense, we've also included patio knives, brushing hooks and Irish slashers in our countdown of the best garden scythes available online from Amazon UK.
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There will be some purists who will notice that our recommendations below aren't all technically scythes. We've expanded our definition to include various types of blades that are curved and used for clearing away overgrown and unwieldy plants in a variety of environments.
Clear up your cut branches and grass with a handy garden fork!
When it comes to any hand tools, especially those that are sharp like scythes, it is important to consider the size and weight of the item to avoid any accidents while you're working. The average person shouldn't have much trouble with tools up to 1 kg when used with one hand or 2 kg with two.
In terms of length, you'll need to use two hands if the tool is over a meter, so if you prefer to only use one, make sure to opt for a scythe under one meter. It's important to note that you should only use tools you're confident in holding securely, especially when working with overhead branches and the tops of hedgerows.
Take a look at some garden hand tool sets if you spend lots of time in your garden or allotment.
£23.98
Spear & Jackson is the UK's premier garden tool manufacturer, selling high-quality equipment since 1760. This hand scythe is part of the Razorsharp range, featuring an ergonomic design and durable blade, and is one of the lighter and easily held scythes available.
It is perfect for trimming wild grass and flowers, making it a great purchase if you've dedicated space to rewilding or are working with pieces of land that become overgrown in spring. For safety reasons, the blade isn't sold sharp, so make sure to purchase a sharpening stone separately.
£22.94
Those of you with less green outdoor space may want to consider this Telescopic Patio Knife. If you're fed up with getting down on your hands and knees to try and pull out those pesky weeds, this tool is a great way to scrape away unwanted foliage from between the paving stones.
Featuring a non-slip grip and telescopic handle, this lightweight tool is easy to wield, making it a great option for those who find using more weightier tools difficult. This is a great choice for children doing chores or for the elderly who like to keep on top of their garden.
£12.99
This Patio Weeder from Gardena is part of its combisystem range, meaning you can attach the head to a longer handle (sold separately) if you desire. The ergonomically shaped handle will serve you well, though, if you choose to use it as it comes.
If you own any other Gardena combi system tools, then this is a no-brainer, and even if you don't, this is a quality tool for the price. Whether you're taking your first steps into the combi system world or just need something to clear your paving areas, this one is well worth picking up.
£38.70
Spear & Jackson's agricultural range is designed to be tough and hard-wearing for everyday use in a farming or agricultural environment. The long brushing hook is perfect for dense hedges and thick branches that a more garden-focussed tool might struggle with.
As an industrial-grade tool, it's worth noting its length and weight may make it difficult for the average person to wield if they haven't had much practise using a similar tool. But, if you're able to use it, you'll find it an effective and long-lasting piece of equipment.
£10.99
This small, one-handed patio knife from Spear & Jackson is an affordable and reliable option if you don't mind getting down and dirty to scrape away the weeds and soil between the patio slabs! The ergonomic handle also has a soft grip and is tanged to avoid grazed knuckles.
If you don't keep on top of the plants growing between the cracks, you can quickly find your patio is uneven and disjointed as roots spread and soil is displaced. A quick session with the patio knife once a week in the spring and summer months is well worth the effort.
£36.99
If you're looking for a heavyweight tool to cut back bushes and hedgerows, you may want to consider this brushing tool from PDL. It will have no problem clearing thickets and will make quick work of stubborn undergrowths.
The long handle makes it great for those hard to reach places but, combined with its 2 kg weight, can also make it quite unwieldy for those who aren't used to using heavy-duty tools. Trust us when we say this will give you a serious workout, and you will tire easily if you're not used to it!
£52.50
Ribiland's Bramble Cutter is, unsurprisingly, designed with the sole purpose of slashing through those difficult brambles. As a single-handed tool, it's fairly weighty without being too heavy, allowing you to cleave through those unruly hedges.
The main drawbacks are its singular focus and relatively high price tag, but if you're in the market for something durable to tackle those overgrown brambles in the back garden, it very much does what it sets out to do.
£18.31
Like the rest of Spear & Jackson's Agricultural range, this Irish Hook is designed for use on a farm or professional agricultural or landscaping environment. This one-handed scythe is a powerful and weighty option at a very reasonable price point.
The item does require sharpening before use, and we'd recommend using a sharpening wheel if you have access to one, meaning it's not really one for the garden or allotment. If you work on the land, however, this is well worth the small investment.
£43.49
Similar to the PDL Brushing Tool, this Irish Slasher from Spear & Jackson is best suited to clearing brush thickets and stubborn undergrowths. The epoxy-coated blade also means that it won't have any issues with the elements.
Unfortunately, a number of customers have reported broken handles when they go to use it, and while this could be down to user error, it's definitely something to consider. In our opinion, Spear & Jackson's reputation for quality and reliability is well earned.
£43.49
We've taken a few liberties with the definition of a scythe, and this Brush Hook might be the least scythe-like on our list, but it is a fantastic tool in the right hands. It also features a powder-coated carbon steel blade, meaning that it should stay rust-free, even when stored in a damp environment.
The long handle and stout blade make it a difficult tool to use, more so than many of the other longer and heavier options on our list, but it's one that will have little trouble with even the thickest branches.
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