[Glenn]

What is the preferred blacksmithing condition of the face of the anvil? Let's take 3 identical anvils, same brand, same weight, same everything except for the anvil face.

Anvil #1 has a face that has been intentionally highly polished to an almost mirror finish.

Anvil #2 has a face that has been smoothed from many years of constantly working hot metal. It shows the use as you would expect. but no abuse.

Anvil #3 has been around for many many years, has an unknown history, and once the light rust was removed, shows some pitting, minor dings, and would be considered good to very good condition if sold at a hammer-in. It was put into use, the anvil face now shows that the anvil has been used as a working anvil.

Anvil #4 has a rough face from being left unattended, stored, or outside for many years.


Please post your comments as to which anvil you, as a blacksmith, would prefer to work on and why.

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