Russia's Last Scythe Factory Revives Tradition with 2026 Tournament
Arty Scythe: A Symbol of Ural Identity Nominated for "Gems of the Middle Urals" Contest
Every year, the shortlist for the Gems of the Middle Urals competition draws attention to nominees that embody the region's unique identity. The Arty scythe is one of them. Last year, it made the final round of voting but did not secure a spot in the top five. Under the contest rules, all 2025 finalists automatically advance to the 2026 competition.
The Arty Iron Works is Russia's only factory still producing scythes—a tool found in nearly every peasant household, dacha, and garden. Since 2011, this small Sverdlovsk region town has hosted the one-of-a-kind Scythe Mowers' Tournament, attracting masters of the craft not just from across Russia but from abroad as well. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Arty scythe has earned its place on the Gems of the Middle Urals ballot.
Alexander Shatokhin, the factory's development director, shared his thoughts on the public recognition contest with Oblastnaya Gazeta:
"We are delighted to continue participating in the Gems of the Middle Urals competition. The scythe is not just a treasure of the Urals—it is a national heritage. More than a unique labor tool with a thousand-year history, it is a vibrant cultural phenomenon. Mowing, haymaking, and harvest seasons are immortalized in the brightest works of Russian classical literature, depicted in iconic paintings, and celebrated in famous musical compositions. St. Peter's Day, marking the start of the haymaking season and the annual harvest, is rich with folk traditions, rituals, and beliefs. Customs vary across regions, but one thing unites them all: the scythe, an instrument of goodwill, and the beauty of collective labor. This year, the Arty Iron Works will once again host the traditional Scythe Mowers' Tournament. We look forward to welcoming skilled mowers from across the country and guests who will join us in celebrating the Ural harvest festival."
Earlier, Oblastnaya Gazeta reported on the revival of the traditional Scythe Mowers' Tournament in the Arty district.
