The Complete Handbook of Anvils

George Baker: Solid reference if you already know what you're doing. The Chapter 1 explanation of how anvil mass affects rebound was useful, and I learned something about cast-steel construction I didn't know before. That said, the section on setup felt a bit basic for someone who's been smithing for ten years. Worth having on the shelf, but not groundbreaking.

Nancy Clark: Finally a handbook that doesn't assume you're either a complete beginner or a master smith. Chapter 1 made it clear why my old cast iron anvil feels so different from a friend's forged steel one—the rebound explanation actually made sense. Only minor gripe: I wish there was more depth on tuning up old anvils you find at auctions.

Sandra Harris: As a farrier setting up my first shop, this book saved me from buying an anvil that wouldn't have worked for my trade. The breakdown of how different anvil types affect your work is exactly what I needed to know. Wish the troubleshooting chapter went a bit deeper, but overall this is the most practical anvil reference I've found.

Ashley Lopez: Really appreciate that this book explains the 'why' behind anvil selection instead of just listing brands and weights. Chapter 1 walked me through rebound, mass, and face hardness in a way I could actually understand. Took one star off because some of the business chapter felt less relevant to me as a hobby metalworker, but that's user-specific, not a flaw.

Michelle Lewis: My husband and I are getting into blacksmithing seriously, and we needed to understand what we were actually buying. This handbook gave us the language and knowledge to spot the difference between a junk anvil and a tool that would last. The setup and maintenance chapters are gold—practical stuff you won't find in YouTube videos.

Karen Johnson: I resell old tools, and I've been guessing on anvil condition and pricing. This book actually taught me how to evaluate an anvil by what matters—face hardness, rebound, how it was made—instead of just going by weight and brand. The troubleshooting chapter helped me understand damage I see at estate sales. Recommend this if you deal in anvils at all.

Kathleen Lopez: This is exactly the book I've been looking for. Clear, no fluff, grounded in how anvils actually work and what professionals actually need. The contrast between different anvil types in Chapter 2 made me realize I've been using the wrong tool for half my work. This book will pay for itself in smarter decisions alone. Wish every trade had a handbook this good.

Melissa Taylor: Exceptional. Covers everything from the physics of how an anvil works to the business side of sourcing them, and every page feels like it was written by someone who actually uses anvils. The setup chapter alone is worth the price—clear, specific, and will save someone from injury or ruined work. This is the standard reference now.