Help! I don't have a vice. I am looking for a stump vise (don't want to buy one off eBay) but in the mean time, I have this railspike knife I'm making. So far it's coming out great but I want to add details to the doghead I'm putting on the handle. Any ideas on how I can do this without a vice (or a welder if that matters any)? I have one of those small 55lb blue anvils from harbor freight. I was thinking that somehow the hardy hole might be able to help. But I'm afraid the edge of the hole will put creases in the metal.

Bench vises are a very common item used, so you should be able to find one at a decent price on craigslist.

Vise grips, c-clamps, chain hold down, spring hold down, or even make a vise from scrap.

Since you have an anvil, the chain one may be easiest once you find that chain.

Do you have a holdfast  for your anvil.  Big heavy square shanked one to fit the hardy should generate a lot of clamping force,Can you make a strap loop and wedge that can be anchored to something.  Simple in theory hard to describe.  I've seen bow makers use something of the sort for holding staves while shaping.    Just need a vertical mount instead of horizontal.  Not sure what else to recommend,   but I'll keep thinking on it.

or this may even give you an idea to work with

 

Edited April 19, 201511 yr by Dogsoldat

Two wrenches, two sets of tongs, good hammer control on the anvil...

Stirrup and a chain.  Vise grip mounted through the hardy hole, Pipe clamp mounted through the hardy hole, etc.