Double horn vs. single horn anvils

[Dave M]

Ok here it is I think I have looked at and read all of the anvil threads to help me choose a new anvil. Like many others I would like to get a 250> shop anvil but have found that the used ones in this weight range are in rough shape and in most cases cost as much if not more then a new one. Now I am torn between which style to invest in, single horn or double horn. Now this is were all of you come in. What are the pros and cons of each. Last question lets name all of the current anvil makers. ( nimba, mouse hole, TFS ) to name a few. I just don't want to miss any of my options. As always all of you are the best supply of informed information out there. Thanks again.

[arftist]

I am sure you will get a lot of different good answers to this question, but I like the rathole, for a few reasons.

[hammerkid]

well you left one current anvil maker out , Euroanvils m which probbaly be what i buy when I ever buy a new anvil

[Glenn]

HOFI anvil, Peddinghaus, Refflinghaus and Euroanvilcome to mind.

[skunkriv]

I have been smithing since '85. All of my anvils are single horn. If you are buying new, DO NOT BUY a single horn anvil. I have had the opportunity to work on several double enders and I go to the skinny end when needed just like I had always owned one. Many operations that must be done across the corner of a single horn anvil or over special hardy tools are easily done somewhere on the skinny, flat end of the doubles.

I have worked on Hofi anvils, Peddinghaus, Refflinghaus, Ozark, Old World, and Kohlswa double enders. All good as I am sure are the others. Pick one and enjoy. Wish I had one!

[Jymm Hoffman]

Would you like to help support this site with the purchase of a new anvil? You won't need a 250 pound anvil if you try this one:Double Horn Anvil - Blacksmith Photo Gallery If you wait about another year, I might have the 250 to 300 pound version available. I only have them done on order, the foundry is about 8 weeks out from order time.

[Jmercier]

Strangely enough if i buy a new anvil... I'm going to talk with Jymm Hoffman and try to get one of his colonial hornless pattern anvils. I want one, but don't have the money for one right now =)

[skunkriv]

Originally Posted by Jmercier

Strangely enough if i buy a new anvil... I'm going to talk with Jymm Hoffman and try to get one of his colonial hornless pattern anvils.

If you are seeking to set up a shop of a certain period or a specific region you will need to restrict yourself to the "proper" anvil. Jymm's anvils look great.

[RBrown]

My wife let me get a ped for my birthday 8 years ago i wasnt shure about the double horn. I can tell you i have grown to love it a squar horn on the other end has come in handy a number of times. I have never regreted the purchase.

[steveh]

i started with a london pattern peter wright,then i got my double horn vaughan.i dont believe you would regret going the two horn route,i have found mine to be a great tool and wouldnt buy anything else.