This is not the best anvil in the world. It doesn't pretend to be, and it doesn't come close.However, this anvil is by FAR the best combination of usability, size and value for money on the market. Bar none, no exceptions. It's a new steel anvil for 60-75% the price of *used* market, and it's half (or less) the price of any other new cast anvil.If you have any use at all for an anvil, buy one. Even if you later buy a better anvil, the value here is just so astonishing that you will be kicking yourself if you pass on it and they disappear.This anvil does require significant cleanup. The castings are rough, so the horn needs quite a bit of work with an angle grinder before it can be effectively used. Doesn't matter, at this price I'd still be happy if I had to weld the darn thing together.