Performance

Efficient manual power. According to reel mower comparison tests, the Fiskars StaySharp is tougher than other manual reel lawn mowers and is able to tackle taller and thicker grass. Experts say it uses its 52-pound weight (which is heavier than other reel mowers) to its advantage, making it easier to roll than some competitors. Cutting performance is good, but testers at TheSweethome.com found that it wasn’t quite as consistent as some competitors. While the mower has one of the widest adjustment ranges of any reel mower (1 to 4 inches), performance is better when set toward the top end of that range.

Ease of use

Comfortable. In comparison to other manual reel mowers, users say the Fiskars StaySharp is easy to manage. Of course, it does require some effort to push the mower, but most owners say they appreciate the aerobic exercise it offers. The handle adjusts to different heights, and users find the padded grip is comfortable and steers the reel mower well. The handle folds for storage. A one-touch lever is used to set the cutting height. The unique mechanism propels clippings forward, not back at you — and your shoes — like other reel mowers, but at least one expert reviewer notes that his testers were not impressed with that feature. The StaySharp is protected with a three-year limited warranty.

Safety/noise

Safer than gas and electric. With no motor or engine powering the blades, the Fiskars StaySharp’s reel stops spinning when the mower stops moving forward. This also makes it nearly impossible to catch your fingers in moving blades when removing caught debris. Additionally, reel mowers like the StaySharp are not prone to ejecting rocks and debris while mowing. With no motor or engine, this is the quietest type of lawn mower to use. The StaySharp Max is exceptionally quiet even among reel mowers because the blades don’t touch each other during mowing, creating only a whirring noise as it moves — though TheSweethome.com notes that other reel mowers can be adjusted to also work this way.

Specs

Type Manual reel lawn mower
Power Manual
Electric start N/A
Blade brake N/A
Maximum recommended mowing area 1 acre
Controls N/A
Blades 5 – reel
Engine brand N/A
Adjustable handle Yes
Steering Push
Cruise control N/A
Cutting height 1 to 4 inches
Choke N/A
Fuel tank (gallons) N/A
Bag N/A
Available attachments Grass catcher
Warranty 3-year limited warranty