Secure Your Anvil Now

When you make the choice to invest in an anvil, you're not just getting a tool; you're acquiring a timeless and indispensable piece of equipment for metalworking, blacksmithing, and various crafts. Secure Your Anvil Now. Anvils have been the cornerstone of these trades for centuries and continue to be a familiar sight in workshops among skilled artisans. Investing in an anvil is a blacksmith's rite of passage, as virtually every task in the blacksmith's realm centers around this mighty tool. Whether you're crafting a sword, a knife, armor, ornate scrollwork, or tools for personal use, the anvil is your constant companion. For novice blacksmiths, choosing the right anvil can be a daunting task, and the abundance of online advice on scavenging doesn't always yield predictable results. Scheduling a junkyard expedition can be quite the challenge. To assist you in your quest for the perfect anvil, I've compiled a list of available blacksmith anvils along with their pros and cons. I'll also address common queries from beginners and offer budget-friendly options later in this article. My aim is to share my passion for this ancient craft and help you take the first step towards acquiring your own blacksmithing anvil. Your first anvil is not just a piece of machinery; it symbolizes a centuries-old tradition.

The Anvil's Anatomy - A Closer Look

Anvils come with an array of specialized components, each with its unique purpose. These include the face, horn, table, hardie hole, and pritchel hole. Let's delve deeper into each of these distinctive features.

The Face of the Anvil

The face of the anvil is the flat, topmost surface. This part sees the most action, serving as a solid foundation for shaping metal. It must withstand powerful blows without losing its flatness, even though it's not directly struck by the hammer.

The Horn of the Anvil

The anvil's horn, often referred to as the front end, is a sharply conical extension. Its shape closely resembles a horn, making it ideal for forming rounded metal shapes. Since it is primarily use for bending tasks, it doesn't require the hardness of the face.

The Table of the Anvil

Situated between the horn and face, the table, also known as the step, is a short, flat area. While it can be use for cutting tasks at the edge, frequent use in this manner can lead to damage. It's often better to use specialized metal-cutting tools for this purpose.

The Hardie Hole

The hardie hole, located on the opposite end of the face, is a square-shaped hole that is invaluable for holding rod-shaped tools like chisels and swages. It simplifies bending and punching holes in metalwork by securing these tools in place.

The Pritchel Hole

Functionally similar to the hardie hole, the pritchel hole has a circular shape and is typically found near the hardie hole, just beneath the face. It is ideal for punching round holes into workpieces due to its circular configuration.

Buying Blacksmith Anvils - Crucial Considerations

While anvils generally share common features, selecting the right one should be a well-thought-out process, considering its intended applications. It's essential to have a clear understanding of what to look for in an anvil to ensure that it meets your requirements and can withstand rigorous use.

Anvil Material

The material an anvil is constructed from is a critical consideration when using or purchasing one. Steel has largely supplanted other materials like stone, bronze, and wrought iron due to its durability and mass-production capabilities. Cast iron anvils, while less sturdy and with lower face rebound, are also available. Face hardness is crucial, as it influences the amount of force transferred to the workpiece by the anvil. Generally, harder materials provide higher face rebound, making them a preferred choice for anvils.

Intended Use & Forging Applications

When deciding which anvil to buy or use, it's vital to keep your intended applications at the forefront. If the anvil is primarily for occasional hobby use, investing in a massive, expensive model might not be the best choice. Some anvils are highly specialized, while others are more versatile. Consider whether the applications for a particular anvil overlap with those of other anvils.

Size, Weight, and Form

An anvil's dimensions and shape play a significant role in its design and determine the range of tasks it can handle. The anvil's size should align with the tools you'll use and the size of the materials you'll forge. Anvils come in various sizes and weights, ranging from a few ounces to several hundred pounds. Generally, heavier anvils are easier to work with.

Cost - Anvil Pricing

An anvil's price is influenced by factors mentioned earlier. The material, size, and weight of the anvil can significantly affect its cost. Anvil pricing is often based on weight, where smaller anvils contain less metal than larger ones. An average anvil, based on quality and weight, can range from hundreds of dollars. Keep in mind that if you need to ship your anvil, there may be additional costs due to its weight.

Top Anvil Brands

Best Oudtinx

• Hardened, with all surfaces meticulously polished and chamfered to eliminate sharp edges.
• Made from solid P20 steel for dent and scratch resistance.
• Essential toolset for jewelry making, metal stamping, and gunsmithing tasks.

Leading VEVORc

• Premium Material 55 lbs: This cast iron anvil is made of drop-forged, high-rigidity iron, ensuring strength and durability. Our blacksmith's anvil can withstand heavy blows and remains sturdy.
• Horn and Hole for Versatility: The round horn of the blacksmith anvil is perfect for flattening, bending, and shaping, while the hardy hole excels in punching and twisting tasks.
• Polished Durability: With a fully polished surface and corrosion-resistant finish through quenching treatment, the round horn anvil offers long-lasting use. The spray coating effectively mitigates oxidation reactions.

Get Your HemBorta Anvil Now

• JEWELLERY HORN ANVIL – These anvils feature hardened flat steel faces, round horns for bending tasks, flat horns for drawing down stock, and pritchel holes for punching, riveting, and creating curved shapes. It's the perfect bench tool for jewelry making.
• 490G JEWELLERS ANVIL – Weighing 490 grams (1.1lb/17.3oz) and measuring 112 x 30 x 42mm (4 3/8 x 1 5/32 x 1 3/4 inches LxWxH), this versatile double horn anvil is compact and adaptable, ideal for jewelry makers, silversmiths, hobbyists, and watchmakers.
• INTERCHANGEABLE JEWELLERY HAMMER: Each of the hammer's head attachments can be unscrewed and exchang for different types, allowing users to tailor the hammer to their specific tasks. Perfect for arts and crafts, hobbies, jewelry making, and repairs.

Anvil Features to Note

• Are they used in watchmaking and jewelry creation? They come in a variety of shapes, from long, slender bricks to square bodies, often with substantial bases or stakes for securing them to a workbench. Their weight can range from a few ounces to a few pounds.
• The anvil's primary work area is its smooth, hardened steel face. Due to its smooth surface, any blemishes on the face can be transferre to the workpiece.
• The anvil's horn, usually made of unharden steel or iron, is a conical extension use for creating various circular shapes. The horn is primarily employ for bending tasks. Anvils can feature one or two horns; in Europe, double-horn anvils are more common than elsewhere.
• The table serves to protect the anvil's face from damage.
• The "hardie hole," a square hole, is use for holding metalworking tools and is crucial for punching and bending operations.
• Most contemporary anvils also feature a small, round "pritchel hole," primarily used for punching.