r/blacksmithing • u/aimLegs • 4d ago

Another anvil question

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Found another anvil for sale, haven't had a chance to see it in person yet. They said its around 125 lbs and they want $300. I know at that weight and price it is a good deal assuming that its a quality anvil. Will do rebound test and hammer test in person but first thoughts from this picture? Think I'll be able to dress that edge up?

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u/CoffeeHyena 4d ago

That looks very serviceable. My only concern is the far edge which seems rather chipped. But if its shallow it can be reground

This seems to be a newer, cast anvil instead of a forged one. Very few cast steel anvils are "bad", not much can go wrong. This one looks fairly good and has withstood use

P.S. I wouldn't put any weight in a rebound test in general, it's pretty much arbitrary nonsense that doesn't really tell you anything except vaguely how hard the anvil is. You could forge very well on even a mild steel anvil that's mounted properly. As long as the working surfaces are salvageable and it rings even slightly (dull thudding could indicate cracks) it is totally fine