I started my journey to blacksmithing by making knives on a belt grinder. I built a gas forge to do my own heat treating. Grinding knives from flat bar was fun, but sometimes I didn't have the size stock i needed. I started looking for an anvil. I put the word out, ran ads in the paper and asked everyone that even might remotely know of one. No luck for the first year or so. Meanwhile, I used a piece of RR track.
After about a year and a half, I found a used 70# NC Tool farriers anvil. The cotton was getting higher. Being self taught, I made a lot of mistakes. I joined some blacksmith forums, asked a lot of dumb questions and read a lot more. The learning curve was very low, but I kept improving.
About 2 years went by and I found a 138# Hay Budden in excellent condition. Then in a matter of days I got a 126# Mousehole for free. I was definitely walking in high cotton. ( the 70# went to a friend)
The journey started about 6 years ago and continues. I still primarily forge knives and BS tools, although I am beginning to make other things.
Last year I fell from a ladder and broke my shoulder. Old folks don't bounce to well. They tend to break. I am still pounding metal, though I have had to greatly modify my technique. (thanks Mr Hoffi)