7 Best Anvils For Blacksmithing In 2024 (Buying Guide)

For many centuries, an anvil has played a key role in blacksmithing. Its main role is to offer a solid, sturdy platform to work on metals. Anvils are metal units that usually have 3 distinct work faces useful in shaping a workpiece in different ways.

But early make of anvils were generally pieces of stone that were used to shape a metal piece. Most modern blacksmith anvils are from steel material and constitute favorable metal properties to suit modern applications and uses.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know regarding the best anvils blacksmithing.

Let’s dive in.

Top 7 Best Anvils For Blacksmithing

01. RidGid 69642 Forged Anvil Model 12 

Why It Stands Out to Us?

The Forged Anvil by Ridgid is like the Swiss Army Knife of anvils. This unit packs a ton of great features into one compact package. Cast side plates surround the forged steel top plate for rigidity and strength where it matters most.

The partially open rear end allows for easy access to the hidden work holding section. The front apron is equipped with a pronounced hardy hole and an adjustable tool steel post, making it easy to clamp just about any work holding device you can imagine.

Our Experience with Ridgid Anvil

We set out looking for a good benchtop anvil that would fit into our small shop. We were looking for something attractive, lightweight, compact, and functional enough to do the job. 

After shopping around at local hardware stores, we came across the Forged Anvil by Ridgid at one of our usual haunts.

We were impressed by the high-tech look of these units. We also love that four sturdy side plates fully surround it; we feel they added rigidity and strength in the critical areas.

Ridgid did a good job on this one, and we came home with our anvil that day.

What We Didn’t Like?

The biggest drawback we found with the Forged Anvil was the thinness of the top plate. While it is fully functional and does well for most tasks, it may not handle some larger jobs.

Fortunately, this anvil also comes in a heavier version that comes with a slightly thicker top plate.

Who is This Great for?

If you are looking for an attractive, lightweight, and compact benchtop anvil for blacksmithing hobbyists, the Forged Anvil by Ridgid is a great choice. 

This unit has everything you need to do some heavy hitting on small pieces of stock; we love that it is fully surrounded by four sturdy side plates and has a partially open rear end for work-holding devices.

What Could Be Improved?

The biggest drawback we found with the Forged Anvil was the thinness of the top plate. While it is fully functional and does well for most tasks, it may not handle some larger jobs.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. The top is cast iron, with steel side plates, a steel post, and a stand made of steel.
2. ·Dimensions: 20.5″ wide x 13.25″ deep x 11.75″ tall at the highest point
3. 521 pound (net) shipping weight
4.  The open rear end for work-holding devices
5. A heavy-duty steel stand is included.

02. Ridgid 69632 Black Model 9 Forged Anvil

Why Does It Stand Out to Us?

The Black 9 Forged Anvil by Ridgid is a heavy-duty beast of burden, and it’s packed with features for all but the most severe work. 

This thing is built to take blows from a 50-pound sled and keep going like nothing happened. It has a heat-treated steel top and a solid cast base, which means you won’t hear any annoying clanging during use.

It also comes with ridged leg stands that are adjustable, so you can set it up perfectly level on uneven surfaces or floors if needed.

Our Experience with it

We at the TOS Crew have used this anvil for several years, and it has proven to be a good beginner’s anvil. It is not of the quality that more experienced smiths desire, but it works well if you work within its limitations. You should be aware of some things about this particular brand of anvil (by Ridgid) when purchasing one.

The biggest problem with this anvil is that it has a steel plate face instead of the traditional cast iron face. The consequence is that it will not hold sharp edges very long. It will quickly round out or flatten the high spots.

The face is not soft enough to file flat again once these high spots are removed, so you will have to resort to grinding your edge off with a diamond grinder.

What We Didn’t Like About 

Perhaps the biggest drawback is that the anvil face is not cast iron. It is a steel plate. For those who are unskilled, you can quickly round or flatten your edges by hitting them on this anvil.

In my experience, I have found if you take care to hold your work in a place without moving it around too much and you don’t strike too hard, it will last a long time. If you are new to blacksmithing or low on cash, then this anvil will serve your needs for quite some time.

The hammer holder is located near the heel (back) of the anvil and not by the horn (front). It is hard to strike down in the hole when you need to strike downward. 

The anvil is very heavy and bulky for its size. It weighs in at 55 pounds. Most hard tools are not centered on the face of the anvil.

Who Is It Great for?

Not for experienced blacksmiths or those who are planning to do heavy work. It is good for beginners on a limited budget or light home projects.

What Could Be Improved on?

The face is not cast iron. It is a steel plate and will quickly wear down your cutting tools and grinding wheels.

The hardy hole in this anvil is not centered on the face, making it difficult to use standard hardies and forks because they do not fit in the holes correctly. 

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Base Size: 10 1/4″ x 13 3/4″ x 2 7/8″
2. Dimensions: 22 5/16 “H x 9 2/5 “W x 4 “D
3. Material: Forged Steel Plate Face
4. 55-pound weight.
5. Two horns and one flat face

03. RIDGID 69622 Model 5 Peddinghaus Forged  Anvil

What Stands Out to Us?

The Forged Anvil Peddinghaus by Ridgid is forged from alloy steel and has a chrome-plated finish. This anvil stands 22″ tall with a base of 9-1/4″ x 7-3/4″ wide and weighs 56 pounds.

Forged in one piece, then heat-treated for strength and durability.

It is sturdy, well made, and heavy, yet still portable enough to use at home in your workshop or wherever you need it.

Our Experience with it

It was by far the best of all.

Extremely High-Quality-Our Forged Anvil Peddinghaus by Ridgid was extremely well crafted with fine pieces of anvil and hammer. 

Hammer was tested for weight and balance and is perfectly symmetrical. Both tools are balanced to do their intended jobs very well.

This Ridgid model also comes with a comfortable foam grip over the metal handle, making it even better.

What We Didn’t Like about it

The tool manufacturer did not inform customers about what could go wrong with this product. 

For example, the possibility of the anvil slipping out of alignment can cause one to damage or destroy their workpiece and tools.

The design leaves room for failure, and Ridgid omits this information from its sales pitch and product specification sheet. 

The second issue is why we think Ridgid decided to use a plastic base. It’s going to break.

It has such a thin wall, and it deforms easily. You can bend it with your hands or whack it with a hammer. We believe this vulnerability makes the tool unsafe, especially in school shop environments where kids might mishandle it and destroy something that would likely cost several thousand dollars in repair if messed up.

Who is This Great for?

The Forged Anvil Peddinghaus by Ridgid is great if you make things in your shop or just enjoy working with metal either way; this anvil is the right size and weight for most projects.

What Could Be Improved on?

A more solid/durable hardy hole construction

A handle on top to facilitate transportation when not mounted in the swivel base;

Differentiation in size between one hammer face and another; and better heat treatment on the heads of the hammer

The addition of a flat side so that when placed upon an edge, it could serve as a small anvil or striking surface.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. 6-Inch Peddinghaus 125-Ton Forged Shop Press
2. The maximum opening of the anvil jaws is 8.5″ x 11″.
3. The length from the front is 33″ and from side to side is 31.5″.
4. The weight is approximately 260 pounds. –
5. Height from floor to top of 7 1/2″ spindle hole

04. Certifier 100 lb. Anvil by JHM

Why It Stands Out to Us:

it is different than anything else on the market. The inflatable design is unique, and having two inflation chambers means I can use it faster. On top of that, it is very sturdy and solidly made, which you can’t say for a lot of inflatables.

The size allows you to get the perfect amount of penetration when forging metal over your coal fire. It also makes a great tabletop anvil for rivets, forming metal, and all other types of forging.

Our Experience with it

It was 100% positive. It’s a great product, with one exception; it is painted, meaning that your Anvil will chip and rust if you leave it outdoors.

The instructions clearly stated that you should paint the JHM Anvil with a coat of Rustoleum before using it to add additional protection against rusting. 

What We Didn’t Like about it

The lack of wrenches is included in the package. Also, we noticed a very slight bend to the Anvil.

Who is This Great for?

This Anvil was designed for the professional blacksmith, so it is a great workhorse of a tool. The weight and build of this Anvil will withstand daily use by even the most demanding smith.

It makes a fantastic option for both beginners and professionals alike.

What Could Be Improved on It?

The most important to those who do extensive work with HSS (High-Speed Steel) tooling such as chisels and punches is completely solid steel.

It isn’t cast or formed from one piece and then welded together.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Model: S-100L
2. Height: 18.75 inches (47.6cm)
3. Width: 14.25 inches (36.2 cm)
4. Face: 12 x 4 inches (30.5 x 10 cm) square, 1/4 inch thick mild steel plate
5. Horn length: 6 x 3x 1/8 inches (15.24 x 7.62 x .32 cm), 3/16″ 
6. Base: 8 1/2 x 11 3/4 inches (21.6 X 29.85cm) Rectangle, 1/4 inch thick mild steel plate
7. Weight: 100 pounds (45.4 kg)

05. HappyBuy Single Horn Anvil 66Lbs

Why Does It Stand Out to Us?

It is a genuinely ergonomic anvil. The horn aims upward, which places the user in a lower position at the top of the anvil than they would be on most other anvils, placing their body weight into effect when hammering.

One particular user said that this is no doubt “the best blacksmithing deal I’ve gotten so far.”

An additional thing mentioned about this particular unit was its durability. One real user, who had used 50+-year-old European pattern-welded anvils, described this anvil as “surprisingly heavy and tough,” remarking that it was built to last.

Our Experience with it

It was a real eye-opener. For one, we did not anticipate how comfortable it would feel if you were sitting on the floor with the anvil between your legs.

Secondly, that’s a pretty nice-looking piece of steel.

Thirdly, I wouldn’t mind having a full set of Blacksmith tools from Happybuy.

Can you imagine all those lovely pokers and hooks?

Everything was great about these tools-no sharp edges or unfinished areas at all. The welding on the whole set is very clean and solid too. 

I got a chance to use the entire set of tools, including the anvil. After spending some time at the forge, I have to say that was probably one of my best days as a blacksmith.

What We Didn’t Like about 

The color was not the exact one we ordered. When we ordered the anvil, we knew its color was not stainless steel. We like it like that, though. However, that means that rust can easily accumulate if proper protection is not taken. That’s why we purchased the protective box.

The surface of the anvil was not smooth like it is in the photo, but our blacksmith instructor said that this is very common even with expensive anvils.

Who is This Great for?

Someone who is on a budget or for an advanced blacksmith

What Could Be Improved?

The face of the anvil is not smooth from the factory. Slight groves are running vertically to see slightly raised metal on the surface if you look close enough.

We would have liked it to be truly flat.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Height: Approx.13.5 cm (trade height)
2. Length: Approx. 20 cm (trade height)
3. Width: Approx. 4cm (trade height)
4. It is made of iron and built very solid and durable.
5. It has a single-horn anvil with the following specifications:
6. Horn length: approx. 11 cm; distance horn-base: approx. 4,5 cm; base diameter: 3,5 cm.

06. True Power Anvil 22-Pounds

Why Does It Stand Out to Us?

We like this Anvil for its size, weight, and beauty. This Anvil is a smithing man’s dream. The 22-pounder has a good rebound; it rings like a bell when struck, and the tone is very musical. It has enough mass to allow you to place your dents where you want them, yet not too heavy that it becomes fatiguing after long hours of work. 

This Anvil is finely crafted and priced well. It is the most popular blacksmithing anvil in production today, for a good reason.

Our Experience with it.

We can say we got the best seat in the house to watch it all happen and be a part of history. We can tell you that we had our doubts about our ability to handle the weight, the immensity of it all, and whether we would make it out alive, but we can also say we were wrong.

From experience, an E22-pound anvil is a professional-grade tool for those who plan on forging steel regularly. Anvils differ from hammers only because they have a flat surface rather than being shaped into a wedge or cone. 

What We Didn’t Like about?

1. The True Power Anvil was so heavy. It weighs 22 pounds, which is more than ten times the weight of many other hammers. 
2. Also, It was not made from metal. Instead, it is made from iron and steel wire mesh, which makes sense given what anvils look like when they are constructed. These materials won’t wear out over time, but the wire mesh may eventually rust and need to be replaced; the iron itself could also potentially corrode over a very long period.
3. The True Power Anvil did not come with a warranty or guarantee. Most other products these days, which are made in the US, often offer replacement guarantees. 

Who is This Great for?

This Anvil is perfect for those practicing with a smaller cast-iron anvil and looking to upgrade. This Anvil is also widely used in schools, as it can be a great learning tool.

What Could Be Improved?

• The lack of a case
• The low-durability metal handle
• The Large size and weight make it hard to transport, especially in small vehicles without racks or tie-downs.
• Certain buyers have taken issue with the fact that it is not perfectly flat. In some cases, this has led to inaccuracy in leatherwork and difficulty in proper forging. However, a simple fix of placing a metal plate on top can solve this problem.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Length: 16″ Width: 12″ Height: 4.75″
2. It is made of high-carbon steel
3. The height of this Anvil is 4.75 inches (12 centimeters)
4. Weight: 22 Pounds
5. Height: 9″ Length:

07. Grizzly Industrial G8147-55 lb. Anvil

Why It Stands Out to Us:

The top of the Grizzly G8147 is polished to a mirror shine and features a 2-5/8 inch square hardy hole, a 1-3/4 inch pritchel hole, and four additional holes for riveting work. The two-round horn projections measure 8 inches long each, offering sufficient room for working at various angles during projects.

Most importantly, the recessed surface and pegs of this Anvil provide a level and stable base that won’t be easily disturbed when in use. Some competing designs integrate their tooling hole into the upper portion of the base, which means the Anvil will rock slightly when pressure is applied to it.

In addition to providing a more secure foundation for working, this also helps with projects like hammering kitchen knives where you want to hit your target directly at 90 degrees rather than glancing off of both sides or using a separate hardy hole block.

Our Experience with It

It was interesting, yet not surprising. Anvils are heavy, ergo expensive because of the weight. However, this is great for anything else involving metalworking.

Our first impression of this Anvil was that it was extremely heavy! And extremely hard. We had difficulties getting it up the stairs into our shop. It is very difficult to pound on this Anvil due to uneven surfaces/gaps.

The quality control was lacking because all corners were very sharp. There was also an interesting rust “stain” on the surface of one side, which you only see with close inspection; however, this would not be an issue if you marked it with hardness level.

With proper safety equipment and protective clothing worn, even though this tool is very hard to pound on due to uneven surfaces/gaps when striking metal against metal using the perfect technique, it will produce perfect results.

What We Didn’t Like about 

The reason behind our dissatisfaction with the product was three-fold:

1. The quality control is lacking – poorly made, uneven surfaces/gaps which leave you questioning how safe this tool is, and rust “stain” on the surface of one side
2. The solidness of this tool is not up to par when compared to other anvils in its price range; however, you can use it if safety equipment is worn and perfect technique is executed during use
3. No markings for hardness level or origin country, making this tool very generic

Additionally, we did not know if it was made in the USA or elsewhere.

Who Is It Great for?

This product is a good choice for someone working on smaller projects that require only simple tools such as punches and drifts.

Also, it’s great for someone aware of its limitations and willing to work within them.

What Could Be Improved on?

It should be available in different brands with markings for hardness level, origin country, and safety equipment. It should be worn so that the user can execute the perfect technique during use.

Furthermore, it seems a little flimsy to us compared to other anvils in its price range, so this product could also benefit from being made of a more solid material.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Total Weight: 55 lbs
2. Anvil Type: Flat Top; 2-1/8″
3. Hardened Height: 4-3/8″
4. Material: Cast Iron Head Thickness: 1 – 7/16″
5. Thickness: 1/8″ Weight approx. (lbs.): 11
6. Hole Size (max): 13/16″; 20mm

Factors to Consider before Purchasing The Best Anvils

Though anvils have similar features, you pay much attention whenever you are purchasing them. There are some differences between them and this will greatly influence your choice.

Some of the factors I recommend you consider are as follows;

01. Purpose

The purpose of the anvil will greatly affect your choice. You can use an anvil for forging or casting iron. Not all anvils can offer you the same purposes therefore you should ensure that the anvil you are purchasing will suit its purpose in the most appropriate manner.

02. Material

The materials used in designing an anvil is one of the most important to pay attention to. In the recent past, they were made of stone, bronze, and wrought iron. However, these days steel is mostly used because of its outstanding features.

These components are well known for their strength and durability. Cast iron for example is very brittle and has a lower face rebound.

Therefore, it is wiser to go for one made from steel components.

03. Weight

Depending on the size of the anvil, it can weigh as little as 10 ounces and also be heavier up to a weight of 100 pounds. With a heavier anvil, you are assured of more convenient operations compared to a light one. It is very easy to use this kind of anvil.

Moreover, if you need to perform your blacksmithing in different places, you might want to consider one with fewer pounds that is easier to carry around.

04. Shape

Depending on the kind of applications you are going to perform, you will need to be very considerate about the shape of the anvils. They are available in different shapes to suit the needs of different blacksmiths. The shape of the anvil will also directly affect its size and weight.

05. Size

The size of the anvil directly impacts the kind of applications you will perform using the anvil. Therefore, the size of the anvil should correspond directly to the size of the forging materials and tools.

06. Face

You should carefully check on the face of the anvil to ensure that it does not have any repair-marks between the face and the body. They should be made from quality materials to prevent them from getting separated from the body.

You can lightly ping the face to check if you can hear some echoes. Also, it should remain flat and smooth at all times.

07. Hole

Both the Hardie hole and pritchel hole should be well shaped to ensure more convenient operations. This means that it should not be rounded on all edges or corners.

It is ideal to go for an anvil that will secure your workpieces into the holes in a more perfect manner.

08. Sharp edges

Sharp edges vary from one anvil to the other. Depending on the kind of workpieces you are using, you will need to take this under consideration.

An anvil with sharper edges works best when compared to one with other kinds of edges.

09. Forging intentions

When figuring out which anvil to purchase the application for its usage should be at the forefront. Some anvils are designed to serve general purposes while others are for performing specific tasks.

Therefore, depending on the kind of work I want to do I can either choose between the two options.

10. Cost

Different anvils are priced differently. Depending on the kind of materials used, the size, shape, or weight, the prices will differ. All this depends on your pocket as well.

For a cost-effective anvil, you can opt for used anvils. They assure of the best operations and can last even longer when compared to a new one.

The Anatomy of Anvils

l. The face

The anvil has a flat surface called a face and it is usually located at the top of the entire structure. This surface is often used because it acts as a stable base for use in striking metal pieces.

You do not strike it directly using a hammer but it should be able to withstand any heavy blows. This means that it should not break easily not lose its shape for longer usage life.

ll. The horn

Do you of that corner that you consider as the front of the anvil? Well, that pointed cone-like end is the horn of the anvil. It looks so much like a horn and it is commonly used to shape the metal pieces into round shapes.

Since it is only used for bending workpieces, it should not be very strong like the face of the anvil.

lll. The table

The narrower surface that is usually located between the face and the horn of the anvil is what we refer to as the table. It is also called the step. Its height is higher than that of the horn but lower than the height of the face.

You can use it to cut workpieces at the edge. When done more often it can lose its functionality.

lV. The Hardie hole

This part is usually located at the inner surface of the face but on the opposite side of the horn. It is sometimes referred to as the heel because it typically resembles the heel of a shoe.

Its mouth has a square shape which makes it more convenient for the blacksmiths to properly hold tools such as chisels.

Moreover, it is very helpful in bending metallic pieces and punching holes on forges.

V. The pritchel hole

The Pritchel hole has very similar characteristics to the Pritchel hole. It is usually located inside the face and a short distance from the Hardie hole.

Unlike Hardie’s hole, it has a circular-shaped mouth. This usually helps in punching round holes onto a workpiece.

How Many Types of Anvils Are There?

A. Forging anvils

These anvils are also referred to as general shop anvils or blacksmiths. These anvils range from 75 up to 500 pounds. In most cases, the greater mass is concentrated under the face as opposed to the heel or the horn.

B. Cast iron anvils

This type of anvil is also referred to as anvil shaped object or in simple ASO. This type is usually lower-quality. The cast iron anvils are brittle, soft, and tend to break or chip when under the usual work.

C. Farrier anvils

Thirdly, these anvils are very specialized. If you place a huge proportion of mass in the set-out horn and have sufficient in the heel that equalizes the anvil. Their weight ranges from 100 up to 150 pounds.

Some special features they boast can include the clip horns used for creating the toe clips and also used for switching cams to ease the adjustment of the horseshoe.

Such anvils are mostly suitable for farriers and come from ductile iron that has been hardened or cast steel.

D. Stake anvils

These are heavily used anvils that are not easy to find. Small anvils are present and are made for artistic iron and sheet metal work. Many shapes are present and weigh about 20 pounds.

E. Bench Anvils

Bench anvils are very small anvils that have their weight ranging between 5 and 50 pounds. They are placed on benches and used for supporting tasks that involve hammering.

These anvils also have a wide range of styles and span from the European double horned, classic double horned to London pattern.

Better still, they are simply a good block of steel.

G. Jewelers anvils

These anvils are mostly used in jewelry and watchmaking. They feature a squarish body with very long and slender bicks. Besides, some come with stakes that are used to embed around the bench while others come with a very large base.

For weight, these anvils weigh a few pounds. These anvils are of steel cast tool or forged with a fine finish. Aside from that, these anvils are sold as dock makers anvils, watches, and silversmiths.

H. Sheet metal anvils

Sheet metal anvils are special anvils that are used in seaming, forming, or bending metal sheets using a mallet or a hammer. You place the metal sheet on the platform to turn it into the desired shape by hitting it with the hammer.

The anvil is from cast iron or wrought iron. It comes with a pointy conical peak, at one of its ends and mostly it’s used for hitting curved metal pieces.

I. Shoeing anvils

As the name suggests, shoeing anvils help repair shoes. Cobblers mostly use these anvils to undertake shoe repairs and fixing soles.

They are not necessarily made from hardened metals but they still offer a good job.

Conclusion 

It is a well-known fact that nobody can work on their project without the right tools. You would be doing yourself an injustice if you don’t get yourself one of these Anvils reviews, as they will help save time and money in more ways than just about anyone could imagine.