An Anvil is one of the most essential tools in blacksmithing. They have been around for centuries and it is easy to see why they are so expensive.
The anvil has many different functions, including but not limited to providing a work surface for metalworking, shaping items with hard hammer blows that cannot be done with hand tools alone, and as a support when welding or cutting metals.
In this article, we’ll share with you the reason behind the high price point of anvils and what are the factors that influence the pricing most. Stay with us!
How Much Does Blacksmith Anvil Cost?
A new blacksmith anvil can cost anywhere from $300 to $3000. The price depends on what kind of steel is used, how much does the anvil weighs, and how thick it is, the shape of the tool, etc.
While lightweight entry-level anvils can come as low as 300 USD or even less (when quality is compromised), you won’t see professional-grade anvils coming under $500.
Why are Anvils So Expensive?
There are some valid reasons behind the expensive price of blacksmithing anvils-
1. Anvils are Made Entirely of Metal
Anvils are made entirely of metal, which can be costly to buy and also expensive to produce.
Metal is a precious resource that these days has many uses in our society- from cars, electrical power grids, space exploration all the way down to simple household items like pots and pans.
There’s more demand than ever before for metals because we need them for so much of what we make today. With this increased demand comes an increase in price point as well!
And for anvils, manufacturers need a high grade metal called ‘cast steel’ which is stronger than other metals. The steel used on this type of tool is expensive because it has more carbon content which makes forging harder work. This also means that steel is more expensive to produce!
The cost for the material alone would be enough to raise the price of anvils, but there’s more.
2. Labor Costs are High
Anvils are also made in a very labor-intensive process that takes months to complete and requires many skilled workers who need high wages too!
Because we know how much people depend on these tools for their livelihoods as blacksmithing professionals or hobbyists, Anvils are manufactured with great care so that each one lasts through generations of use. This extra time and effort add up quickly–all adding to the cost of manufacturing any type of metal tool.
3. Less Supply than the Demand
Anvils are made in batches of a few hundred at a time. After being forged, they have to be heat-treated and then tempered before they’re ready for use–another step that adds to their cost and takes weeks!
Because of the lengthy and costly manufacturing process with challenges in shipping, there are few companies that are devoted to manufacturing these items, causing the supply to be low compared to the demand. This contributes to the higher price as well.
4. Shipping the Anvils Costs a Lot of Money
As you know, anvils are heavy, starting at around 50 pounds to a whopping thousand pounds. These metal tools are seriously heavy and it costs a serious amount of money in handling and shipping.
Plus, most anvils are not manufactured in the USA. These are imported which increases the cost in the end.
5. Design Requires Extra Care
Because anvils come in different shapes and sizes, carefully designed by professionals, it adds up an extra amount to the cost of it. That’s why you see different types of anvils come at different prices.
For example, the design of a blacksmith anvil is different than that of a metal worker’s anvil or even one for general use. They are not just shaped differently but they have specific purposes and require a certain level of skill to operate them properly without damaging oneself in the process.
6. Warranty Policy
Most anvils manufacturers back their customers with a decent warranty on their products. Since anvils are virtually non-repairable, they need to replace the cracked or damaged tools.
They can take back the product only to melt it down and repurpose it from scratch which costs a lot of money. So, the adjustment of these warranty claims also influences higher price a bit, though not as significantly as the material or shipping cost.
Read: Gas Forge for Professional Blacksmiths
What is an Anvil Alternative?
Anvils are a crucial component of any blacksmith’s workshop. They’re traditionally made from cast iron, precisely forged to have two flat surfaces at right angles with one side that is slightly thicker and heavier than the other. While there is no alternative to the anvil for professionals, occasional users can save money by using a railroad piece or a forklift tine.
However, you need to choose these alternatives carefully as not all of them will work. It is better to find a rail yard nearby and see if a heavy chunk of the railroad can be purchased at a cheap rate. Then, you’ll need to shape it according to the requirement by yourself or a professional by utilizing a blacksmith hammer and cutter.
How Much Does an Old Anvil Worth?
Anvils have been in use since ancient times. They were used by blacksmiths to make a myriad of different metal objects, but they also had other uses including being an integral part of the forging process for swords and armor. As such, it’s not surprising that this tool was so highly valued among smiths at all levels of skill – regardless of their trade was producing horseshoes or blades.
The price for an old anvil can be as much as $1000 US dollars (USD) from some suppliers even though there are ways you can buy them cheaper than that new on eBay and Craigslist! Some people sell off their family heirloom for several hundred bucks when all is said and done because they’re going through hard times and can’t afford to keep it.
Generally, old anvils worth around a hundred to several hundred dollars, depending on the weight and condition of the tool. My Cost Guy says that anvils tend to cost higher with time.
How Much Does an Anvil Weigh?
The weight of an anvil is also one factor that will affect its price. Weight typically ranges from 50 to 250 pounds, with the average being about 120 pounds or so. The heavier it is, the more expensive it becomes because a very heavy anvil requires much stronger forging and deeper sinking than lighter ones.
I paid only about $65 for a new 55-pound anvil. Dennis Palmer