Should I buy a scythe?

Unfortunately the allotment doesn't look its best at the moment.  Due to circumstances beyond my control I wasn't able to tend it for a whole month.  When I returned, the grass was like an ocean, and the beds were full of weeds.  I have a small push mower which I usually find adequate, but the grassy waves were calling for powered machinery.  I couldn't afford a petrol strimmer, so today I decided to take my petrol mower on a little trip.  Her name is Jenny and she is an Atco.  She tackles all reasonable work without complaint, but this time I'd pushed her too far.  Too many stones for her blades, and then the petrol ran out.  I think she was trying to tell me something.  So I reverted to Quentin the Qualcast.  I must admit I was glad to hear the gentle whirring of his hand powered blades, but I'm going to have to sharpen them for this job.