Guy at the flea market told me my anvil was junk because it had a tiny chip in the face...

I picked it up for $40 in rural Ohio and it rings like a bell, still works perfect for drawing out leaves and scrolls. Anyone else run into know-it-alls who judge tools by looks alone?

3 comments

3 Comments

elliot_patel2d ago

Flea market experts (gotta love 'em) probably think a scratch on his 1987 Ford F-150 totals it too, right? That chip is what we call "character" (or "a free surface texture upgrade" if you're creative). Anvils with a perfect face are usually pristine because they've been sitting in some guy's barn as a doorstop, not getting used. Charged with a dying battery? Mine rings like a church bell and I've never once thought "man, if only that 2mm divot wasn't there, I could be a master bladesmith." Sounds like you got a steal, just keep it oiled and far away from that guy's opinions.

murray.drew2d ago

Ngl, I read somewhere that old anvils with chips actually hold heat better for forging.

parker1832d ago

My buddy had a beat up old anvil and it held heat way better than my new one ever did, weird stuff.