As for the advantages, the form of the weapon gives you a pretty good grip for slashing, and the perpendicular blade is good for hooking (much like and axe or halberd would be used), which is useful when facing people with shields.

Was a scythe ever used as a weapon?

Farming tools such as the scythe and pitchfork have frequently been used as a weapon by those who could not afford or did not have access to more expensive weapons such as pikes, swords, or later, guns. ... War scythes were a popular weapon of choice and opportunity of many peasant uprisings throughout history.

Are scythes martial weapons?

Weaponology. The scythe could be used for piercing or slashing attacks in the same manner as some pole arms, like halberds, but it was not a reach weapon. It took two hands to wield a scythe and some training to use it effectively, so it was classified as a martial weapon.