best grass whip for clearing weeds grass
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Best Grass Whip: Top 7 [Don’t Waste Your Money on Crap!]

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A grass whip, also known as a weed whip or sling blade, is a manual weed whacker that can shear through grass and woody weed stems without needing a power cord, gas, or annoying maintenance. The simplicity, ease of use, and reliability of a grass whip are the best, especially for off-gridders and people with small lawns.

That’s why we’ve reviewed the best grass whips on the market and put them head to head in a contest to see which one’s best. Out of the seven whips we reviewed, I recommend only two grass whips, and there’s only one you should buy.

The best grass whip is the Bully Tools 92392 Weed Cutter. This grass whip, complete with a 12-gauge blade and fiberglass handle, will stand up to woody stems, shrubs, and dense grasses without an issue. Additionally, while it’s not the lightest, it’s light enough for most people to use comfortably.

So, why is that one the best? Well, let’s look at the best grass whips and weigh the pros and cons together.

We’ll also tell you about some of our favorite sickles and scythes for trimming grass and tell you a bit about the differences between grass whips vs scythes vs sickles. So, weed on for the ultimate guide on all things grass whips!

The 7 Best Grass Whips

The following seven best grass whips are some of our top options for you to consider, each with its own unique highlights. So let’s break down this mega comparison of cutting tools, shall we? 

  1. Bully Tools Weed Cutter with Fiberglass Handle
    4.0
    $40.41

    This ultra-reliable, durable grass whip is our absolute favorite. It's perfect for tough spots and woody weeds that can be tricky to tame.

    Pros:
    • 12-gauge steel blade
    • Strong fiberglass handle with wood core
    • Incredibly resilient
    • Not serrated
    Cons:
    • Heavy
    • Needs sharpening out of box for the best results
    Get More Info

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    08/29/2024 05:37 am GMT
  2. AMES Double Blade Weed Grass Cutter 30" Hardwood Handle
    4.5
    $29.57

    This weed cutter offers a cost-effective way of clearing tall grass and other vegetation in overgrown areas. Its double-edge action provides increased efficiency by cutting on both the forward and return strokes. Ideal for clearing ditches, forests, and fields.

    Pros:
    • Steel blades are tempered
    • Expected lifetime of this whip is 3 to 4 years
    • Its double-edged design makes this whip easy to use
    Cons:
    • Depending on your height, the 30-inch handle may not be sufficient enough
    • Not strong enough to cut through thick plants
    • Underperforms in wet conditions
    Get More Info

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    08/29/2024 02:22 am GMT
  3. The AMES True Temper Serrated Grass Whip
    4.0
    $43.78

    This grass whip is the happy medium between ultra-heavy duty and too lightweight. It's ideal for most people, as it's perfect for trimming a moderately overgrown lawn.

    Pros:
    • 42-Inch Length
    • Sturdy hardwood handle
    • Tempered steel blade for great edge retention
    Cons:
    • Too lightweight for truly heavy farm use
    • Not as sharp as it could be out of the box
    Get More Info

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    08/29/2024 05:37 am GMT
  4. True Temper Grass Whip with Double-Edged Serrated Blade
    4.0
    $34.99 $29.99

     With 38 in. hardwood handle and double-edge blade serration.

    Pros:
    • This whip cuts grass easily and precisely
    • Its double-edged serrated blade provides more variety in cutting swings
    • Excellent functionality for cutting weeds and tall grass
    Cons:
    • This whip can’t be manually sharpened
    • This whip isn’t strong enough to cut through stemmed plants
    • It requires constant bending to cut your targeted object
    Get More Info

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    08/29/2024 04:21 am GMT
  5. Walensee Grass Whip with Double-Edged Serrated Blade
    3.5
    $26.99

    This grass whip's comfy grip with light weight design makes it super easy for anyone to use.

    Pros:
    • 22-inch handle for painless weeding
    • Soft rubber grip
    • Fluted, double-edged blade for great cuts
    Cons:
    • The handle is not adjustable
    • The serrated edge clogs occasionally
    • Blade may bend when chopping woody stems
    Get More Info

    PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    08/29/2024 04:21 am GMT
  6. PoPoHoser Weed Grass Whip with Double Edged Serrated Blade
    4.5

    This cost-effective yet reliable whip is perfect for anyone who only needs a tool for minor weeding.

    Pros:
    • 66 inch steel handle for great reach
    • Made of rust-proof coated steel
    • Double-edged serrated blade
    Cons:
    • The blade does not slant, so you need good aim
    • No frills
    Get More Info

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  7. Seymour WE-20 Weed Cutter
    3.5

    This hefty tool is perfect for moderate work, such as mowing a lawn or keeping up with common garden weeds.

    Pros:
    • 30-inch hardwood handle
    • Durable and heavy-duty
    • Perfect for moderate mowing
    Cons:
    • Heavy (3.23 lbs)
    • Blade bends when you overestimate it
    Get More Info

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Our Best Grass Whips in Detail

1. Best Overall: Bully Tools Weed Cutter with Fiberglass Handle

Best Overall
Bully Tools Weed Cutter with Fiberglass Handle
4.0
$40.41

This ultra-reliable, durable grass whip is our absolute favorite. It's perfect for tough spots and woody weeds that can be tricky to tame.

Pros:
  • 12-gauge steel blade
  • Strong fiberglass handle with wood core
  • Incredibly resilient
  • Not serrated
Cons:
  • Heavy
  • Needs sharpening out of box for the best results
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/29/2024 05:37 am GMT

Looking for a manual weed whacker that will whack and hack away stubborn weeds and overgrown patches of shrubs and make grass harvesting a piece of cake? This is the tool for you.

While this heavy-duty weed whip comes in at 2.95 lbs, which is heavy for a grass whip, it excels in durability.

With a 12-gauge steel blade, you won’t have to deal with dents and bends with this guy. In addition, the blade, which is the only non-serrated blade that made this list, has incredible edge retention, even if the company doesn’t fully sharpen it before shipping it out.

While this grass whip may be overkill for people who want to trim off what their lawn mower couldn’t snip, it’s perfect for people who want a reliable piece of equipment for weeding and mowing.

2. Runner-Uo: AMES 2915300 Double Blade Grass Cutter

Runner-Up
AMES Double Blade Weed Grass Cutter 30" Hardwood Handle
4.5
$29.57

This weed cutter offers a cost-effective way of clearing tall grass and other vegetation in overgrown areas. Its double-edge action provides increased efficiency by cutting on both the forward and return strokes. Ideal for clearing ditches, forests, and fields.

Pros:
  • Steel blades are tempered
  • Expected lifetime of this whip is 3 to 4 years
  • Its double-edged design makes this whip easy to use
Cons:
  • Depending on your height, the 30-inch handle may not be sufficient enough
  • Not strong enough to cut through thick plants
  • Underperforms in wet conditions
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/29/2024 02:22 am GMT

The AMES Companies knew what they were doing when they designed this grass whip. Here is a double-edged serrated blade that will cut through all the nasty weeds!

The steel of this blade is tempered, which means that it is braced for additional strength and durability. This feature proves to be very important when cutting through tall grass and weeds.

What gives this manual weed whacker an edge is that its blade sits at a noticeable angle. This slant makes it very comfortable and safe to swing this handy tool with full force, ultimately helping you work smarter and faster.

Another thing we love about this grass whip is that it has a detachable blade for easy sharpening. The length of the wooden handle is 30 inches, so depending on your height, this can be a good or bad thing. 

3. Best for Trimming: The AMES 1942600 True Temper Serrated Grass Whip

Best for Trimming
The AMES True Temper Serrated Grass Whip
4.0
$43.78

This grass whip is the happy medium between ultra-heavy duty and too lightweight. It's ideal for most people, as it's perfect for trimming a moderately overgrown lawn.

Pros:
  • 42-Inch Length
  • Sturdy hardwood handle
  • Tempered steel blade for great edge retention
Cons:
  • Too lightweight for truly heavy farm use
  • Not as sharp as it could be out of the box
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/29/2024 05:37 am GMT

For most people, the AMES 1942600 True Temper Serrated Grass Whip is just what the doctor ordered.

While this grass whip is not heavy enough to withstand a significant grass harvest or shrub removal, it is perfect for trimming overgrown grass, cleaning up common weeds, and shearing away what lawnmowers can’t clip.

With a reliable hardwood handle and tempered steel blade with serrated edges, this grass whip will tame your lawn.

However, its biggest flaw is its lightweight steel shank. While the shank makes this manual weed whacker easy to swing, it’s also prone to bending if you overestimate its design. So, if you just want to clean up your lawn, this is the perfect tool.

However, if you want to deforest your neglected grass fields, you might be better off with the Bully Tools Weed Cutter.

4. Best Bang for Your Buck: True Temper 2942600 Grass Whip

Best Bang for Your Buck
True Temper Grass Whip with Double-Edged Serrated Blade
4.0
$34.99 $29.99

 With 38 in. hardwood handle and double-edge blade serration.

Pros:
  • This whip cuts grass easily and precisely
  • Its double-edged serrated blade provides more variety in cutting swings
  • Excellent functionality for cutting weeds and tall grass
Cons:
  • This whip can’t be manually sharpened
  • This whip isn’t strong enough to cut through stemmed plants
  • It requires constant bending to cut your targeted object
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/29/2024 04:21 am GMT

The True Temper 2942600 Grass Whip has a double-edged serrated steel blade that will quickly eliminate weeds and tall grass if you use a standard “golf swing” hand motion.

It looks a lot like a golf club!

This is an ideal tool to use when cleaning parts of the lawn that your big lawn mower misses.

Now, the cool thing about this whip is that the serrated blades sharpen themselves while you cut the grass, so there is no need for manual sharpening. This tool weighs 1.4 pounds, and its 38-inch hardwood handle allows for a wide reach.

5. Best Lightweight: Walensee Grass Whip

Best Lightweight
Walensee Grass Whip with Double-Edged Serrated Blade
3.5
$26.99

This grass whip's comfy grip with light weight design makes it super easy for anyone to use.

Pros:
  • 22-inch handle for painless weeding
  • Soft rubber grip
  • Fluted, double-edged blade for great cuts
Cons:
  • The handle is not adjustable
  • The serrated edge clogs occasionally
  • Blade may bend when chopping woody stems
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
08/29/2024 04:21 am GMT

This double-edged grass whip is similar to the True Temper Grass Whip but doesn’t have a hardwood handle. Instead, it has a very soft, lightweight rubber grip that makes it easier to handle, especially in wet conditions.

The lightness of this grass whip makes it the best pick for people who get tired quickly or have difficulty gripping onto tools. However, this guy is also pretty short, with a 22-inch non-adjustable handle. For that reason, I’d only get it if you are petite.

6. Best Budget Grass Whip: PoPoHoser Weed Grass Whip with Double Edged Serrated Blade

Best Budget
PoPoHoser Weed Grass Whip with Double Edged Serrated Blade
4.5

This cost-effective yet reliable whip is perfect for anyone who only needs a tool for minor weeding.

Pros:
  • 66 inch steel handle for great reach
  • Made of rust-proof coated steel
  • Double-edged serrated blade
Cons:
  • The blade does not slant, so you need good aim
  • No frills
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The PoPoHoser Weed Grass Whip with Double-Edged Serrated Blade is the quintessential manual weed whacker. With no ergonomic handle or fancy intuitive design, this tool is the bare basics, which is not necessarily bad.

This weed whip offers a generous 66-inch handle, perfect for most people between 5 and 6.5 ft. tall. In addition, while the blade is not sharpenable, it’s easy to find replacement blades for this whip.

This guy also weighs just over one pound, so you don’t need to be a bodybuilder to use it.

Ultimately, this tool might be your best bet if you want a simple, inexpensive tool to touch up edges after mowing or trimming off the occasional weed.

7. Best for Moderately Heavy Jobs: Seymour WE-20 Weed Cutter

Best for Moderately Heavy Jobs
Seymour WE-20 Weed Cutter
3.5

This hefty tool is perfect for moderate work, such as mowing a lawn or keeping up with common garden weeds.

Pros:
  • 30-inch hardwood handle
  • Durable and heavy-duty
  • Perfect for moderate mowing
Cons:
  • Heavy (3.23 lbs)
  • Blade bends when you overestimate it
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This grass whip is one of the most readily available models in hardware stores. While it is no-frills, it is a decent model that might be perfect for cutting through moderately heavy overgrowth.

While it’s not as powerful as the Bully Tools 92392 Weed Cutter, it stands up well against tall grasses. It just isn’t so strong as to take down bushy shrubs and woody stems.

The biggest downside to this hardwood-handled manual weed whacker is its weight. It weighs almost 3.5 lbs, so expect a workout if you go with this guy.

Best Sickles and Scythes

person using a scythe to trim lawn
Scythes and sickles are better known than grass whips, and they usually have a curved blade to help cut dense weeds from the base.

We’ll discuss the difference between a grass whip vs scythe vs sickle later, but for now, I’ll give you a brief overview.

Scythes and their miniature counterparts, sickles, have curved blades. The inside of a scythe or sickle’s blade is sharp, while the outer edge is dull.

Since they are not sharp on both sides, it takes longer to trim back weeds and grass with a sickle or scythe. However, scythes and sickles are better than grass whips at cutting through tall grasses and weeds since they can reach the soil’s surface and shear off plants of any height.

So, a sickle or scythe is the way to go if you have tall grass, weeds with woody stems, or big bushes to trim. On the other hand, short grass, well-maintained weeds, and regular trims call for a grass whip.

1. Nisaku 7.5″ Extra-Length Grass and Weeding Sickle

Good Choice
Nisaku NJP130 MIkadukigama Grass and Weeding Sickle
4.0

Authentic Japanese Tomita (Est. 1960). Stainless steel. Polished 23.5" hardwood handle.

Pros:
  • Durable stainless steel material makes this a must-buy
  • The shape of the blade is ideal for cutting grass
  • The 14.25-inch handle makes it easy to reach previously difficult areas
Cons:
  • Its light weight may make it more challenging to cut weeds
  • The hardwood handle may not be firm enough to take on heavy-duty cutting
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

This sickle was made from an authentic Japanese Tomita, an impressive gardening tool used for cutting grass, weeds, and branches. It can also be used to edge lawns or sod.

You get a 14.25-inch hardwood handle, which allows for more length to cut either low-hanging branches or weeds in those sneaky, hard-to-reach spots.

The sharpened blade is the star of the show, as it is made up of stainless steel. This 7-inch blade delivers convincing cutting power, and the stainless steel material is easy to clean.

This sickle is very lightweight at 5 ounces, so you can readily bust it out and use it whenever you like!

2. FAPUKL Weeding Scythe

Multi-Tasker
FAPUKL Weeding Scythe 24" Extra Long Stainless Steel Handle
3.5

This weed scythe is a practical tool for those who love gardening, the outdoors, and adventure. Lightweight and easy to carry, the 20" stainless steel handle is ergonomically designed for maximum leverage and strength.

Pros:
  • A great tool for multitasking outdoors
  • Stainless steel material is very durable and won’t rust
  • Comfortable red grip allows for a seamless grass cutting session
Cons:
  • It may be too lightweight to handle heavy-duty projects
  • Its 24-inch length may be too short to reach difficult spots
  • The red grip occasionally slips off after constant use
Get More Info
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Is this a weeding scythe or a battle ax?

That may be the first question you ask once you see this tool!

Used for gardening and agriculture, this scythe created by FAPUKL may look intimidating. However, it fits many needs in everyday activities like hiking, fishing, and trimming and cutting weeds.

It has a stainless steel handle, and it has two different edges. One is a knife edge, and the other is an ax edge.

Weighing only 14.4 ounces, you can easily carry this tool anywhere through the yard and cut any weeds that get in your way. If you don’t mind the red grip sliding off occasionally, this weeding scythe is just the right gardening tool to order.

3. FU-GLBY Sharp Gardening/Weeding Folding Sickle

Super Sharp
FU-GLBY Sharp Folding Sickle - Wood Handle With Sheath
3.5
$36.90

This sickle can be used for cutting grass, vines, branches, weeds - you can even edge lawns or cut undergrowth.

Pros:
  • You can fold this sickle and comfortably store it away
  • It is sharp enough to cut through even the thickest grass and weeds
  • It is just as easy to unfold the sickle to begin using it
Cons:
  • The $66 price is a steep one to pay
  • Its short handle length may be a turn-off if you want extensive range
  • Long-term this may serve as just a light-duty tool for certain parts of the garden
Get More Info
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08/29/2024 04:05 am GMT

This folding sickle has a beautiful black coating design and a productive blade that is 6 13/16 inches long.

Its handle is 14 9/16 inches long, the shortest length on this list. However, it performs when you need it to. This sickle can cut grass, vines, branches, and weeds.

Being very lightweight at 17.14 ounces, you can fold this sickle and carry it anywhere in the yard. You can even store it in its sheath and take it for a camping trip.

If you have $66 saved in the piggy bank, this sickle can be your go-to gardening tool.

4. Truper 33577 Tru Tough Grass Hook

Light Duty Choice
Truper Tru Tough Grass Hook 36-Inch Long Handle
3.5

Truper 33577, GR-HO-12, Tru Tough Grass Hook with long 36" North American Ash handle and detachable blade.

Pros:
  • This is an excellent tool for general cutting instead of hacking
  • The blade is sharp and makes even cuts
  • Optimum tool for small yards that are under 1 acre
Cons:
  • The grass hook tends to bend after constant use
  • Depending on your height, the 36-inch handle may not be long enough
  • You are limited to the types of swings you can use with this hook
Get More Info
PAID LINK - We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The blade style of this manual weed whacker is enough to give you a cutting experience you can appreciate. This tool features a straight blade, so it is meant more for general cutting than hacking and slashing, which is what double-edged blades tend to do.

If you need to clear through a patch of weeds to open up your yard, this grass hook will do the job.

Whenever you need to clean the blade, it is best to spray clean it with a garden hose and then coat it with silicone spray.

Lightweight at 1.52 pounds, the Tru Tough Grass Hook has a 36-inch wooden handle, lacquered North American Ash. This is a conservative blade that works well on tall grass.

Best Grass Whip Buyer’s Guide

person using a grass whip to manually cut weeds
A grass whip is a bit like a manual weed whacker, allowing you to cut through grass and weeds with the swing of a blade.

Cutting grass can be simple if you have the right tools. Of course, you can go with various lawn mowers and weed whackers, but keeping it simple with the best grass whip can help you in the long run.

Here is what you need to know about the best grass whips.

What Is a Grass Whip?

Hundreds of years ago, people didn’t have the luxury of cutting grass with weed whackers and lawnmowers. Instead, they had a simple tool they would manually use to cut the grass.

This tool is called the grass whip, also known as a sling blade. Grass whips usually have a rectangular or hourglass-shaped blade you forcefully swing to cut grass and weeds.

Essentially, a grass whip is a manual weed whacker, doing everything a string trimmer can do, just without the gas or power cord.

Grass Whip vs Scythe

Grass Whip vs Scythe vs Sickle
Grass whips are usually the best tool for everyday lawn maintenance. Since grass whips are easier to use vs scythes and sickles, they are perfect for light to medium-duty jobs such as eliminating common weeds and trimming slightly overgrown grass.

So, essentially, grass whips are blades with a handle attached, and so are scythes. So then, what’s the difference between a grass whip vs scythe?

The biggest difference between a grass whip vs scythe is the handle position. A scythe’s handle is attached to the end of the blade. On the other hand, a grass whip’s handle sits in the blade’s center, making it look a bit like a rake or a golf club, depending on the design.

Additionally, scythes have a curved blade that tapers to a fine tip at the end. A grass whip usually has a rectangular, flat blade.

Scythes can scoop around tall plants and weeds, which makes them better for shearing down heavily overgrown plants. However, grass whips can chop off the finer tips of grass and weeds more quickly than a scythe, which makes them ideal for trimming lawns and eliminating moderately tough weeds.

Then, finally, there are sickles. Sickles are handheld scythes that you can use to pare off long stems and grasses. These tools require you to get down close to the ground, as opposed to scythes and grass whips.

How Do You Use a Grass Whip?

You use a grass whip by swinging the blade like a golf club. You can shear off the grass at any level you wish by swinging with some force. However, it may take some practice to get your swings just right.

Check out this video by Give it a Grow to get a basic idea of how to use a grass whip!

Can You Sharpen a Grass Whip?

You can usually sharpen a grass whip. However, specific designs will not allow you to sharpen the grass whip because it is too difficult to position the blade for sharpening. Other grass whips don’t require sharpening because of the blade’s material. 

Let’s use the example of a double-edged serrated blade grass whip, like the AMES Double Blade Weed Grass Cutter. Here’s how you would go about sharpening this blade:

  1. If possible, remove the blade from the metal frame.
  2. Use a wire brush to clean the blade and remove any dirt or debris.
  3. Clamp down the blade with a table vise, ensuring that one serrated edge faces up and the other faces down.
  4. Then, get out a sharpening rod and hold it against the back of the blade in a vertical stance.
  5. Drag the sharpening rod across the blade from side to side a few times. 

Alternatively, you can keep it simple and use either sandpaper or a file to sharpen the blades.

Why Use a Grass Whip Instead of a Weed Whacker or Weed Trimmer?

I use a weed trimmer to cut my tall grass, which I have written about in my article on the usefulness of weed whackers and trimmers!

However, grass whips, as they are manual weed whackers, have many advantages over string trimmers and mowers.

Here are some reasons you might want to use a grass whip instead of a weed whacker or trimmer:

  • For starters, no gas filling is required.
  • You don’t have to keep refilling your string.
  • You also don’t need to recharge any batteries when using a grass whip.
  • It is much easier to store a grass whip in a garage.
  • When you bust it out, you can do your work silently because grass whips don’t make any noise!
  • Grass whips are usually less expensive than machine trimmers, and they also require less maintenance.
  • They are perfect for people who don’t like to use electronic or gas trimmers.  
  • Using a grass whip gives you a nice core and shoulder workout.
  • Grass whips can improve your golf swing.

How Do You Maintain a Grass Whip?

You do not need to do much to maintain a grass whip. For regular maintenance, wipe the blade with a damp washcloth after use. Next, you may want to oil the blade to prevent rust. Then, the blade may occasionally need sharpening.

Maintaining a grass whip is just like maintaining a shovel or saw. That’s part of why these tools are so fantastic! No more fuel replacement, gears to mess with, or dead batteries.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t like the hassle of using fuel, extension cords, or string, a grass whip might be the perfect gardening tool for you. These manual weed whackers are reliable, effective, and no-hassle.

There are countless options out there when it comes to these manual weed whackers, but my personal favorite would have to be the Bully Weed Whip. If you’re going to be doing manual labor, you’ll really want the best quality tool for the job!

With tough work like this, quality is everything.

Do you have a trusty grass whip, or have you tried any of the whips that we included on this list? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on these cool tools in the comments section below!

Thank you for weeding! (I couldn’t help myself, there.)

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