The Fiskars StaySharp line of mowers has revolutionized manual lawn care, offering a quieter, cleaner, and more eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered mowers. As a long-time user and advocate for these mowers, particularly the StaySharp Max, I can attest to their durability and ease of use. Having transitioned from a frustrating gas mower to the StaySharp Max about two years ago, the difference has been night and day. The old gas mower was noisy, polluting, and notoriously difficult to start, often requiring Herculean effort just to pull the cord.
Traditional reel mowers, while a step up from gas in terms of environmental impact, often come with their own set of drawbacks. They can be hard to push, somewhat noisy, and prone to rust and requiring frequent maintenance. The Fiskars StaySharp mowers, however, stand apart. Their quiet operation allows for conversation during mowing, and the high-quality materials mean minimal maintenance. In fact, in two years of use, my StaySharp Max blades have yet to need sharpening.
Using a Fiskars StaySharp mower is not just about lawn care; it’s a surprisingly enjoyable aerobic workout, far from strenuous or injury-inducing. It’s even converted my partner, who previously avoided lawn work, into an enthusiastic participant. Despite neck and back issues, they find mowing with the StaySharp mowers to be an easy and enjoyable way to stay active and contribute to household chores.
The advantages of reel mowers, especially the StaySharp line, are significant. They provide a cleaner cut than rotary mowers, preventing brown tips on your grass. Clippings are finely mulched, eliminating messy clumps and allowing them to decompose quickly and enrich the soil. The result is a healthier, finer-looking lawn with less effort.
Choosing the Right StaySharp Mower for Your Needs
Fiskars offers three models in the StaySharp line, each with different features and price points. While it might seem logical to simply choose based on budget, each mower has unique strengths and weaknesses that might make a lower-priced model a better fit for your specific lawn care needs.
The lineup includes the StaySharp (the most affordable), the StaySharp Plus (mid-range), and the StaySharp Max (the premium model with advanced features for challenging conditions).
Fiskars StaySharp Mower
The StaySharp is the entry-level model, most closely resembling a traditional reel mower. It features a rear discharge, which may result in some clippings on your shoes. A grass catcher is available separately for those who prefer bagging clippings.
The front shield is beneficial for mowing close to obstacles like shrubs, preventing branches from interfering with the blades. It also stops clippings from being thrown onto sidewalks or flowerbeds when approaching from the front.
The rear grass catcher position on this model offers an unobstructed view during mowing, a contrast to the StaySharp Max where the catcher is front-mounted.
However, the StaySharp has a less powerful gear system, potentially requiring more effort to push compared to the other models. It also lacks inset wheels for edge mowing and has a lower maximum cutting height of 3.5 inches (ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches). While 4 inches is considered ideal for weed prevention and water retention by organic gardening enthusiasts, 3.5 inches is still superior to most standard mowers.
Verdict: Ideal for flat, weed-free lawns where you plan to use a grass catcher regularly.
Fiskars StaySharp Plus Mower
The StaySharp Plus features a forward discharge, directing clippings away from the user’s feet, similar to the Max model. It is not compatible with a grass catcher, which aligns with organic gardening practices that favor leaving clippings on the lawn as mulch. These mowers finely process clippings, making them ideal for this purpose.
The Plus model boasts slightly larger wheels and increased power compared to the base StaySharp, making it better suited for lawns with some weeds or gentle slopes. It offers a cutting height range of 1.5″ to 4″.
Verdict: The budget-friendly option for those who prefer not to use a grass catcher. While offering slightly enhanced features over the standard StaySharp, its main advantage over the Max is its lower price. If budget is less of a concern, the Max offers superior performance.
Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower (formerly the Momentum Mower)
The StaySharp Max incorporates an inset wheel design for closer edge cuts, eliminating uncut strips of grass flattened by the wheels. This ensures a cleaner, more controlled mowing experience and a superior final result.
The Max model also delivers significantly more power. While I appreciated the standard StaySharp as an improvement over traditional reel mowers, the StaySharp Max is a joy to use. It operates almost effortlessly; a small push gets it going, and the cutting reel spins smoothly with minimal further input. The chain drive mechanism enhances pushing ease, and the blade momentum maximizes your effort.
The Max has a front-discharge system, preventing clippings from being thrown onto your feet. However, when used with the front-mounted grass catcher, it can obstruct your view of the mowing path. If you intend to use the grass catcher frequently and have a flat, weed-free lawn, the standard StaySharp might suffice.
Though ten pounds heavier than the other models, the added weight of the Max contributes to momentum, making it easier to cut through tougher weeds. It offers the widest cutting height range, from 1-4″. I’ve used it on slopes and found it manageable. It handles my bumpy, somewhat weedy lawn without issue, though very wiry weeds may require a separate trimmer.
Verdict: If your budget allows, the StaySharp Max is the top choice. Its enhanced power makes it remarkably easy to push and operate. It offers greater versatility with features like grass catcher compatibility and a wider range of cutting heights, making lawn care more enjoyable. However, for users who prioritize a grass catcher and have simple lawn conditions, the base StaySharp might be a better choice due to the rear-mounted catcher and potentially sufficient power. For eco-conscious lawn enthusiasts, the Max is the ultimate mower.
Maintaining Your StaySharp Mower with a Tool Care Kit
To ensure the longevity and peak performance of your Fiskars StaySharp mower, regular maintenance is crucial. While StaySharp mowers are designed for minimal upkeep, investing in a Fiskars Tool Care Kit is a smart move to keep your mower in top condition for years to come.
A fiskars tool care kit, specifically designed for their line of garden tools including the StaySharp mowers, typically includes essential items for cleaning, lubricating, and maintaining the blades. This might include:
- Blade cleaning brush: To remove grass clippings and debris buildup from the blades, ensuring smooth operation and preventing rust.
- Lubricant: To keep moving parts, especially the blades and gears, operating smoothly and efficiently. Regular lubrication reduces friction and wear, extending the life of your mower.
- Rust remover/preventative: To protect metal parts from rust, especially important in damp environments or after washing the mower.
- Sharpening tools (optional): Some kits might include basic sharpening tools, although StaySharp blades are designed to hold their edge for a long time. However, occasional light honing can maintain optimal cutting performance.
Regular cleaning after each use, along with occasional lubrication and rust prevention using a fiskars tool care kit, will keep your StaySharp mower running smoothly and efficiently for years, preserving your investment and ensuring a consistently well-maintained lawn.
A Word of Caution on Manual Mowers
A common limitation of all manual reel mowers, including the StaySharp line, is their inability to effectively cut very tall, wiry grasses. Consistent lawn maintenance is key. Unlike gas mowers that can power through overgrowth, reel mowers may simply flatten tall grass. If you have irregular mowing habits, consider pairing your StaySharp mower with a string trimmer or weed whacker to handle overgrown areas and edging.
Where to Purchase:
Fiskars StaySharp Mower: Amazon.com
Fiskars StaySharp Plus Mower: Amazon.com
Fiskars StaySharp Max Mower: Amazon.com
Grass-catcher for the regular StaySharp: Amazon.com
Grass-catcher for the StaySharp Max: Amazon.com
Blade maintenance kit for the StaySharp line of mowers: Amazon.com
