Subject: Sorcoress Anvils from Sodorfors Sweden Still being made?

From: [email-masked]
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 14:08:52 -0400

Hi Troops..

In reading Frosty's reply regarding the anvil he is using and is such fine
steel.  I'm wondering if this company is still in business... making the same
type anvil... etc.

Any info would be helpful..

Thanx..

Kent Reeves
[email-masked]

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From: [email-masked] (Frost, Jerry)
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 1996 19:47:06 -0800

> Any info would be helpful..

Kent and all:

Sorry it took so long, I'm swamped.

Unfortunately the Sodorfors operation is out of business, has been for a 
number of years. I tout my Sorcoress because it's the best anvil I own. 
I recently picked up a 115lb Colony Forge anvil in excellent condition 
that promises to be just as good. I don't believe the face of these 
anvils is special , just high carbon well hardened and tempered. The 
Sorcoress has to have a face close to 60rc as a file barely cuts it and 
a cold chisel won't touch it, the Colony Forge seems to be in this range 
too.

What I look for in used anvils, after condition, is the welded face 
plate and casting marks on the body. If I pick it up I build up to a 
full strike with a chisel by increments. I pick a spot on the side of 
the welded plate, not the face and run a new file over it, then give it 
a little tap with a small hammer and chisel and scope it out closely. If 
it passes this I try a little larger hammer and chisel, etc.

The rule of thumb here is that if a file won't cut the face is probably 
too hard and brittle and if a chisel cuts it, it's too soft and will mar 
with use. It's the test out of Bealers book and it's always served me 
well.

My two taps worth,
	Frosty
-- 
If it ain't forged
It ain't real
wrought iron is
The FROSTWORKS