C-1ToolSteel

Very impressive!!

Not really my style, but that's just me, and it looks very well made. Good job!

 

+C-1: I think I understand, you don't think I should try and salvage the chipped side but rather I should make it a single sided axe?

 

What I meant was to use the good side as is with a double bevel for felling, etc. And turn the chipped side into a hewing axe.

Sorry for the bad clarification skills on my part!

Yes, It will help you to read previous posts on heat treating, but personally, I don't get offended by someone asking our advice. The best way to search for realevant posts is to google the keywords with "iforgeiron" after it. If you don't get your answer, there, that's when you post it here.

 

+C1Toolsteel: You suggested turning the damaged end into a shaping axe with a single sided bevel. If I understand a shaping axe is an axe with a smaller head with a chisel styled edge? 

What I ment was a single bevel for the same purpose of what a broad axe is designed for. The reason I said "shaping axe" is because it technically wouldn't be called a broad axe, unless it had a broad head.

Welcome aboard, Jakob!

It is an English made anvil. You really can't ID anvils like this, without markings, because there were hundreds of English anvil manufacturers that all made a similar looking anvil. It appears to be in fantastic shape, though. As long as the rebound is good, you've got a goon'un.

It should look about like the dotted line in this picture.

Welcome aboard!

You could put a single sided bevel (just make sure it's on the correct side for your right or left-handedness) on the damaged side and and have a combination felling and shaping axe! I see some appeal to the bushcraft world... Whatever you do, keep in mind that the high carbon steel bit, in most old axes, only goes up an inch or two, so you could accidentally grind it off. Also keep in mind that you will be limited to double bit handles as long as you don't re-drift the eye. Good luck, and send us some pics of what you come up with!

That might actually be my favorite knife of yours. Awesome!!!!

SWEET! That anvil is in amazing shape for it's age. It's just begging for hot steel. Don't let her down!

Nice looking anvil. I'm gonna bet you won't be disappointed when it comes home! Looks like a Trenton, by the way...

Check the scrap yard. Sometimes you'll strike it rich of some big pipe fittings!

Nice stand! Great design for the feet.

 

Simple answer, It isn't an anvil. It is a lump of cast iron. A forgery if you will, likely made in Mexico. 

There is no steel top plate, value, close to zero, except as a (hopefully) learning experience. 

I see a perfectly good hardy hole, pritchel hole, and horn for occasional bending. Make yourself an improvised anvil to use as a main forging face, and you will have a complete set.

Best way would be to go to google images and type in "Soderfors anvil". Just look at every Soderfors pic you can find and compare the similarities and differences with other makes. 

Most likely a Farrier's pattern Trenton or Arm and Hammer. Both, very nice anvils. If it passes the rebound test, and the price is right, buy it!!

Nice score! If it where me, I'd just use it as is. Plenty of open box vises in use.

Wow, that's beautiful. Especially for a guy who has never worked over an anvil, before!

Looks awesome!! The sheath looks great, too.

My only concern is that the curve of the handle keeps the edge from cutting all the way through on a flat surface. This may not be an issue, depending on what you will be using it for.

Looks like you're starting to get the hang of it. The axe pendant is really clever. As for the knife, are you planning on straightening the tang? It's hard to drill a curved hole in a handle!

What about something sorta along the lines of this? Just to keep you wheels turning...

I ditto all these comments.

Even though it may not be a top tier anvil by today's standards, it's better than what the majority of smiths have used throughout history.

 

More roadkill: about a foot and a half of 3/8" x 3" leaf spring. I'm thinking guillotine....

 

Reminds me of a piece of leaf spring that showed up in the driveway after we had a load of soil delivered. The awesome thing about having a bumpy driveway, is the presents that some people leave you.

What about a sword crossing a hammer in the center of the anvil? Do you HAVE to have an anvil? What about just a sword crossing a hammer or something? 

I'm NOT offended if you hate that idea!!

Not bad at all for a first knife. I think the copper lookes really cool. That's one of those knives that makes me want to go hack at something!

Welcome aboard!

What it will cost to get started is really however much YOU make it cost. Some cash to spend on good tools is definitely a plus, but you can also make a bare bones smithy using trash form a dump. Seriously. I highly recommend the book, $50 Knife Shop, if you want to start as cheap as possible. Look through some of the great threads on this forum like forges made from dirt, and makeshift anvils made from scrap, to get your wheels turning.