Peening is an ancient craft technique used to sharpen scythes and sickles. For example, if you mow your meadow(s) with a scythe according to the old art, you need a peening hammer and a peening anvil. In this buying guide, we will introduce you to tried-and-tested peening hammers and explain what you should look out for when buying such a tool.
If you want to sharpen your scythe and sickle the traditional way, you need a rock hammer
Our recommendations
our recommendation
SHW-FIRE 59133 Peening set Peening hammer and peening anvil Sharpening scythes
EUR 56.90 To the product| Type | 2 tillers |
|---|---|
| overall length | 25 centimeters |
| Wide Hammebahn | 3 centimeters |
| Weight | 600 grams |
| stalk | ash |
The traditional manufacturer SHW Schmiedetechnik is based in the Black Forest and produces high-quality tools here, including the peen set presented here. This consists of a peening hammer and a peening anvil. The peening hammer has two pins, the hammer face is three centimeters wide. Despite its weight of 600 grams, the tool with the short ash handle feels good in the hand. A flat peening anvil made of steel and weighing 500 grams is included. With this set you can shape, harden and sharpen scythe blades.
our recommendation
SHW-FIRE 59083 Dengelhammer Scythe Accessories Sense 2 Tiller Fin double-sided
EUR 29.90 To the product| Type | 2 tillers |
|---|---|
| overall length | 25 centimeters |
| Wide Hammebahn | 3 centimeters |
| Weight | 600 grams |
| stalk | ash |
If you already own a peening anvil and only want to buy a peening hammer, you can of course also purchase the model described above separately. The manufacturer, the renowned SHW Schmiedetechnik from the Black Forest, looks back on a centuries-old tradition of tool manufacture in the German region and exports its products all over the world. Thanks to modern manufacturing methods and the use of high-quality special steel, this pebble hammer is ideal for shaping, hardening and sharpening all scythes.
our recommendation
Picard 0009901 peening hammer 500g double
29.56 EUR To the product| Type | 2 tillers |
|---|---|
| overall length | about 15 centimeters |
| Wide Hammebahn | k. A |
| Weight | 500 grams |
| stalk | ash |
Picard is a Wuppertal-based traditional manufacturer that has been producing hand tools since 1857. With this double-sided peening hammer you are purchasing a high-quality product that reliably does its job with its short but sturdy handle made of hard ash wood and a head weight of 500 grams. In addition to the double model presented here, you can also purchase a simple peening hammer (with a flat head and only one tiller) and matching peening anvils (both angular and pointed). At Amazon, the majority of customers are satisfied, but complain about the somewhat poor workmanship. This requires regrinding, since fine grooves can be seen on the track.
Purchase Criteria
Type
There are basically two different types of peening hammers. The most popular model has two tillers, i. H. via two transversely pointed ends on the hammer head. A simple peening hammer, on the other hand, has a flattened (and at best crowned) and a transversely pointed side. In addition, special versions such as the Carinthian peening hammer with two wide striking faces and the Bavarian peening hammer with two flat, round striking faces are also available. Make sure that the ends are rounded and not pointed, otherwise you will damage the scythe blade.
materials and weight
Traditionally, the hammer head is made of high-quality steel, which should be forged and not cast if possible. Only steel is strong and heavy enough for the scything, where the scythe blade is finally struck flat and thus sharpened. A good peening hammer weighs at least 500 grams so that you can use the weight as power. However, it shouldn't be much heavier, otherwise you can only hold and guide it with difficulty. Good models therefore weigh between 500 and 600 grams, with only the head weight being given - you still have to add the weight of the handle.
processing
To ensure that the scythe blade is sharpened and not damaged, it is important to ensure that the hammer head is well-made. This should not have any nicks, indentations or grooves, as you transfer these to the scythe when peening and its sharpness and functionality ultimately suffer as a result. In addition, the material should be heavy and robust so that it does not break during use. For this reason, forged peen hammers are to be preferred, since they usually have a higher quality of workmanship than cast (and therefore less robust) models.
stem and overall length
Typical of peening hammers is the very short handle, which should only be up to 25 centimeters long. A handle that is too long is also counterproductive, as the length will hinder you when peening. Make sure the handle is made from a hard wood such as ash or beech, as this is stronger and more durable than softwood. Hammer and handle must be firmly connected to each other via the so-called eye, the tool head must not “wobble” or be loose in any way.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is peening?
"Tengles" refers to an old handicraft technique in which the scythe blade is placed on a special peening anvil and finally hits the cutting surface with a peening hammer. This is flattened by beating and thus both hardened and sharpened. Peening has almost been forgotten these days, which is why suitable tools are not always available.
How often do you have to peen?
In short: whenever it is necessary. Depending on the frequency and length of use of the scythe, this can vary from every few days to once every few weeks. If you notice that the blade of the scythe is no longer cutting properly and you have to use more force (or literally "chop off" the clippings), then it's high time to sharpen it.
How do you properly care for the peening tool and the scythe?
It is important to only peen clean and dry scythe blades, otherwise you can damage the material. In general, both the scythe and the peening tool should be cleaned and dried after use so that no rust forms. Safe storage in a dry place must also be ensured: After all, children, for example, should not be able to reach a (possibly freshly sharpened) scythe.
Is there another way to sharpen a scythe?
You don't necessarily have to peen the scythe blade to sharpen it, there are other methods as well. For example, the use of a whetstone, which is also known as a whetstone or whetstone, is common. The so-called impact dengler works according to the same principle as the peening hammer, albeit a little simpler. If, on the other hand, you are "more modern" on the move, you can also use the Flex.
Which manufacturers offer high-quality peening hammers?
Peening hammers and anvils are only available from a few manufacturers, with traditional workshops still making these tried and tested tools. These include, for example, forges such as SHW or Picard. Be careful not to buy any cheap goods from the Far East, as these are not of the required quality and either break quickly or do not sharpen the scythe.
How much does a peen hammer cost?
Plan to spend around EUR 30 on a good quality forged peening hammer, and a matching peening anvil (which is indispensable) costs the same amount. If you buy both in a set, you can save a few euros.