What Is a Grass Whip?

Overview of the Grass Whip

• The grass whip is a long-handled tool, generally made with a wooden grip and a metal shaft. The shaft extends straight out from the grip for several inches before bending downward. The angle of this bend varies depending on the manufacturer. The shaft terminates in a blade, fixed to it at such an angle that the tip points diagonally upward when the grip is held horizontally.

The Blade

• A grass whip's blade is long and rectangular, with a flat tip. Most models have a hole punched in the blade near the tip to allow the tool to hang from a nail in your tool shed. The long sides taper outward at both ends, with a slight pinch in the middle, and are both serrated along nearly their entire length. This allows the grass whip to cut no matter how you swing it.

Usage

• The grass whip is meant to be held firmly in both hands, in much the same way that you hold a golf club. Swing it back and forth, from left to right, in a smooth arc with the blade at the desired height of your grass in the middle of the swing. Walk slowly forward while swinging to clear a swath of grass. Turn around once you reach the end of the area to be cleared and continue back, cutting the next section of grass.

As Golfing Aid

• Golf experts Bill Melhorn and Shawn Clement both recommend using a grass whip as a tool to improve your golf swing while cutting grass. The ideal golf swing is very similar to the method most people naturally use when swinging a grass whip, while the exercise derived from using it strengthens the muscles used when golfing.