Hard to say from a distance, but that looks like nice and flat, and heavy as a heavy thing, which is what we like to see in an anvil!New anvil
Forged in the fire Facebook page is full of I experienced noddies talking rubbish and theoryThe 'Forged in Fire' TV thing has massively increased the value of anvils and associated blacksmithing tools, which if you have a shed full, is a good thing but if you're desperate to join the growing thong of would be 'bladesmiths', it's a very bad thing.
As a retired blacksmith I retain sufficient interest in the craft to be a member of several related forums and the increasing obsession with making edged weapons is truly fascinating.
Equally interesting and perhaps more particular to the U.S. is the focus on tools. The constant debates over which anvils are best and are forged better than cast, etc., etc. Can they be repaired and if so how? What's the rebound like? Who hand forges the best hammers?
You might be inclined to believe that all these people were behind an anvil, 8 hours a day, six days a week.
Most blacksmiths I've known just get on with what they've got in front of them and if they don't work, they change them for something that does.
I find one of the most appealing aspects of this forum is that members offer practical solutions to real problems, more often than not based on their own personal experience and don't obsess about it.
That's what I paid. I won't generally pay more there us a lot of hassle in moving. My second is lovely and flat with maybe too. Much ping and rebound, if that's possiblesaw a mint one at autojumble not a mark on it .£150 quid
View attachment 111892 I'm afraid I too am guilty of wantng to get into this craze. Bought a really nice anvil (cheap!) a year ago. Been spending this year sorting out an area of the garden for Ye Olde Forge...
It's an awkward shape and I dare not build another shed! The roof will be supported by a freestanding band stand frame. Make it a "field shelter" and exempt from planning permission, even in a conservation area.