Is this anvil a scam

Jesse Smith

Jesse Smith

Joined
Dec 2, 2013
Messages
163
I hope this is in the right place guys. I'm just working on my second material removal knife, but I'm slowly working myself up to buying an anvil and buying or building a forge. Right now I'm using a weed burner for my HT.

Anyway, I found these two new anvils on ebay and I don't understand why they are so cheap. I already screwed up and bought the 55# Harbor Freight anvil on ebay (didn't realize HF sold it too) before I realized that it will just dent up. I'm in the process of trying to return that one before it gets shipped, but I'm now leery about any anvil that looks like a deal.

Other than the size, these are the same anvil. Am I missing something or would they be a great buy for making knives on? THANKS IN ADVANCE!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191062221868?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131112313564?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648
 
I would suggest saving some money and building a post anvil.
More then adequate for most knife making.
 
Probably better off watching Craigslist. There's got to be plenty around in MT. Hard to top an old one that's not all beat up.
 
I thought about a post anvil, but if I have a forge and anvil I guarantee I will start playing around with other blacksmith projects. So I would rather have a London Pattern.

I just eant to make sure there's not something wrong with this one thst I'd regret. Otherwise I'll keep looking.
 
Since they don't list the brand, I'd be skeptical.....Much better to stick
with known brands, and see, in person if possible.
 
Looks very similar to the ones they sell at HF. All cast with soft tops. Better to look around on GL and in your local paper. Had a friend of mine find a couple up in the Bitter Root valley couple years ago. Keep your eyes open and by all means don't buy one until you look at it first hand. Then at least do the Ball Bearing test on it.
 
Ok, thanks guys. I'll hold off then and keep looking. So far all I've seen on CL are horseshoe anvils and over priced junk. But I'll keep looking.

Thanks.
 
Horseshoe anvils are normally pretty good. I would recommend one in the 150lb category. Most who know what they have will charge a pretty penny but you can find one at a fair price. Once in a while you get a screaming deal.
 
If you're interested in blacksmithing, go to the ABANA site (or just use search engines) and find out about blacksmiths in your area.
Go to a meetup or a class, you'll find anvils for sale and a lot of info.
When I started, I had a little anvil and had no clue what to get or where to get it- went to a couple of classes and conferences, and now I have a stack of em.
Whatever part of Montana you're in, there's a blacksmith not that far away, and I can almost guarantee he'll be friendly and helpful.
That way you don't have to buy something unknown from a stranger.
 
That one listed is not forged steel. It may be cast steel but I doubt it. You can see the casting line on the top of the horn. If they are lying about that what else is there they arent honest about.
 
To be honest I have my doubts that its a solid 52rc anvil face.I could be fooled but a heat treated steel anvil should cost much,much more..Ive been buying anvils for a long time and that just says to me "Run, run away..As fast as you can!!"
 
Now running. Thanks guys, that's why I asked.

Thanks elementfe for the ABANA tip. I've been googling for Steam and Power shows and haven't found anything around here. I've been watching CL but there's more ads for people looking to buy anvils than there are for selling them. I'll check out ABANA.
 
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Here's your local blacksmithing group:
http://www.hallowellco.com/nrba.htm

I'm sure the contact person will be happy to put you in touch with whoever is closest to you, and help you find the equipment you need- blacksmiths are a remarkably cheerful and helpful lot!
Good hunting,
Andy
 
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