Ian

With one exception all of my anvils are Brooks, I really like them. They're cast steel, ring pretty badly (or well, depending on what you think of a ringing anvil) and are usually as hard as nails to mark or dent. Some folks don't like the thicker heel section but I do, feels less 'springy' under heavy work unlike some of the thinner heeled styles.
Looks like it needs a good wire brush though LOL

If you can get the price down to around the figure Mr Powers suggests I'd take his arm off, otherwise $300 isn't cheap but is still a good investment for a portable quality anvil.

Having met and spoken with both Uri Hofi and Alfred Habermann, I can tell you that both men were extremely opinionated. Both men are also (or sadly in Freddy's case were) extremely talented too. I took from both what I found to be useful to me, given that I am not them, do not swing like them, forge like them or work as they do/did. I work like me.

A wise man said 'there is nothing new under the sun' and there's a lot to be said for that, but as grown ups and with brains capable of decent cognitive action we've no excuses for throwing our teddies from our prams over this sort of stuff. Informed debate should be encouraged, but eppy scoppies waste everyone's time.
So what if Uri's 'ergonomic' technique is no more an original idea than hitting anything with a hammer? I've seen that style of swing in half a dozen countries used by guys who've never heard of 'Uri Hofi' or his patented hammers. Uri's in it to make a living boys and girls, so deal with it. I don't hold it against him, good luck to him. I'm just capable of seeing the wood for the trees.

Hofi hammers are an amalgam of ideas taken from other hammer styles (such as the Czech style, Ozark style and the hammer the Alfred Habermann's grandfather made, that Alfred himself used, plus others Uri has seen, I'm sure) Fine, if he wants to claim that as his design then whatever he sees fit. They are well made tools and like any hammer if used properly can do the job just fine. Are they better than every other type of hammer? No, I don't think they are, they are simply a good tool. Some folks love them, some hate them, non of which matters. It's what you think of them and what you can do with them that ultimately counts.

I hope all our boys and girls overseas make it through this year safely, and the next, and for however long it takes for 'our' government to bring them home again. I have the highest regard for those who serve, knowing as I do that I myself am unsuitable (I couldn't put up with being ordered around, especially orders I didn't agree with).
My new forge hand (Richard Pace) is an ex soldier, I've worked with a lot of them in the past in different jobs and they're always good to have on your team. Richard is a great bloke with a good head on him and is keen to learn, keen enough that he's bought his own hammers, apron and safety gear already. He's seen combat in several theatres including Bosnia and Iraq, and is a holder of the DCM. I'm priveliged to work with him and teach him what little I know.

Hi mate,
not yet but things are progressing in the right direction. Phase two works on the Farm have begun so by the end of May next year there should be a new workshop to move into, at the minute the old one is surrounded by Harris panel fencing and a lot of empty ground but I can still get in there to work

quote:

"this is defiantly the friendliest profession going...."

now that's my kind of typo