Preparation: Sharpening the Scythe

Josef Schmid lives at Fronalpstock and mows the prized wild hay on the steep slopes during summer. Before heading out to the steep wild hay meadows, he carefully sharpens his scythe with a hammer. This process, known as “dengeln,” involves hammering the blade thin and sharp so it can cleanly cut the tough mountain grass – an essential preparation for the hard work on the slope.