How We Work

KN Regens work the land sustainably using human-powered tools, such as scythes and sickles. Manual work on the land tends to reshape our perspective on history and our relationship with nature. It is not just good physical activity–it is a philosophy of life.

Lawnmowers, brush hogs, and the like appear to be efficient and easy to use to the untrained eye, but they in fact have serious drawbacks. Time saved in doing the task is time spent elsewhere in the cleaning and maintenance of the tool, and money spent in fuel and replacement parts (or more likely in this age of planned obsolescence, replacement equipment) as the years wear on. The experience of using these tools is tolerable at best and actively damaging to one’s health at worst; everyday operation is a guaranteed source of noise and air pollution, and there is a real risk of sustaining serious injury with every work session. The heaviest of these tools also compact the soil, which is counterproductive.

By contrast, human-powered tools require practice to use effectively, but gaining skill with them is a fun and rewarding experience. Cleaning takes hardly any time at all, they incur no fuel cost except breakfast, and maintenance is generally limited to the act of sharpening (which also takes some practice, and is also fun and rewarding to learn). These tools are quiet, lightweight, and pollution-free, so working with them is a pleasant experience; we can listen to the birds, we can chat with each other, and we can rest easy knowing we’re having a fully positive impact on the environment with every work session, not just a net positive one.

The other major benefit of human-powered tools is their precision. A lawnmower cuts everything in its path, but a scythe cuts what the user wants to cut. This allows us to be far more selective in what we cut and what we keep; we can easily maneuver around a stand of goldenrod, for example, and completely avoid an unexpected toad. The latter is sadly not true for a lawnmower.

• More peaceful and enjoyable gardening experience

• Greater control and precision over power tools

• Environmentally friendly, promoting sustainable practices by reducing reliance on fossil fuels

• Can savour peaceful time working, rather than just powering through it with the roar of a machine

• Fairly easy to maintain and repair at home

• Made of materials that are easier to recycle or dispose of at end of life than most modern tools; takes less material to make them in the first place

• They help the user build strength and flexibility

• Have a much lower impact on the land than big equipment

• You're likely only to cut what you really need to, compared to a power tool

• Cost less than most mechanized tools

• Versatility: often have multiple uses

Scythe

• Simple and effective

• Quiet, no fuel, little maintenance 

• Low impact way to manage land

Key Features of Modern Scythes

• Ergonomic Design: Adjustable snaths (handles) reduce strain on the back and shoulders

• High-Quality Blades: Made from durable, high-carbon steel, modern scythe blades stay sharp longer

• Versatility: Interchangeable blades allow for different tasks, such as hay cutting, brush clearing, and lawn trimming

• Eco-Friendly Solution: No gas, oil, or electricity required, making scythes a sustainable choice

Benefits of Using a Scythe

• Healthier Soil: Unlike motorized tools, scythes leave the soil undisturbed, promoting soil health and preventing compaction

• Lower Costs: With no fuel or maintenance costs, scythes are a cost-effective tool for long-term use

• Precision Work: Perfect for maneuvering around delicate plants and obstacles

Sickle

• Can be thought of as a hand scythe

• Similar to a scythe but on a much smaller scale

• Traditionally used for harvesting grain and forage for livestock

• Great for cutting invasive plants from around native plants we prioritize

Machete

• Works well at clearing areas of unwanted vegetation and brush

• Can be used as both a knife and an axe

• Often used in other parts of the world as a multi-tool on a day-to-day basis