What you want in an anvil:
Hardened Face mandatory!
Nicely shaped horn
Usefull hardy hole
Mass of anvil below the face
lack of ring---user's choice
If you have a properly hardened face with enough mass under it you have an anvil even without a horn or hardy hole. Too soft and without the mass under the face you don't have an anvil no matter how prettily it is shaped.
Look at Nimba anvils for a good example of a non-london pattern anvil that is *well* designed.
Look at harbour freight for examples that are poorly designed.
The difference is like riding in a rolls royce and riding ina yugo. They will both get you there but one is an enjoyable ride...
Thomas
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Thomas
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