Best Anvil Value Today?

DanF

DanF

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
1,423
New purchase, best $/lb value out there?
 
Atlas Graham—-when did THAT happen?!
 
Thanks for the suggestions, was surprised by the 117 lb Atlas, had not heard they had a second, heavier anvil. Can’t find any reviews for them, however, only the manufacturers physical description. Anyone know anything?
 
I answered Dan directly, but thought I would post my thoughts on the larger Graham anvil. I haven't used one (yet) but have been aware of the development.

From what I know it is a good bladesmithing anvil. It has most of the mass below the good size working surface. It has a short and robust horn/bick that works for drawing and curving and a similarly short tail/heel with a hardy and pritchel hole. Made of cast 4150 steel and hardened to Rc 55. I recommend it for anyone working knives. It is about half the cost per pound of most other anvils. In my opinion it is as good for knifemaking as the Nimba Titan, which sells for $1000.
 
Oh, sorry, guess I forgot to post about them here. Yes, they are a bigger version of the Atlas, weighing in around 122 lbs. The 4150 steel is medium frequency induction hardened, for about 4-6mm on top. This gives a really tough body with that crisp face smiths love. The horn and heel only account for 12% of the total anvil weight, so definitely not for farriers.

The swage is intended for light use, with socketed spears coming to mind. Flip it over, and voila!

swage.jpg


A few people were consulted on this prior to production, including Stacy Apelt, Howard Clark, MS, and Jason Knight, MS. It's named after my oldest son, Graham.

anvil-2-600x599.jpg
 
Duh, I forgot about the base feature. That is something worth almost the cost of the anvil all by itself.

I suggest that anyone getting one of these make a stacked, glued, and screwed 2X12 base with a raised rim around the anvil foot to make a "pocket" . This allows the anvil to be picked up and turned over or moved easily.

Something like this with wood strips around the anvil base to keep it centered.
img_20190106_115517-jpg.1050255


Here is the smaller Atlas anvil mounted with bolts, but the pocket seat works just about as well for a heavier anvil.
1546796428198-jpg.1050250
1546796428198-jpg.1050250
 
Oh, dang, I didn’t realize the base was a swage n ordered the Atlas, Charles, sent you an email, let me know, hope you see this!
 
Larrin said:
I don't need an anvil but that Graham anvil sure looks nice.
Click to expand...
Agreed. And seeing as how my Centurion order has not yet been filled, I'm surprised to find myself considering changing my mind and ordering one of these instead.
But coming from a blacksmithing background (with hopes of getting back into gates and such), I really like the 260# and the square horn
 
Been trying to upgrade to the Graham but can’t seem to get through, as far as I can see.
 
I really like the nimba and rhino anvils. I know ridged makes a rather nice anvil and I was this ” close to buying one. My buddy (Alec steel) has started making some kick ass anvils as well. I haven’t personally used it but I know he has beat the crap out of it.
 
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