The Story of Railway Reverso Anvil
From an Idea to a Craft
The Railway Reverso Anvil started with a simple goal: to create something unique, functional, and meaningful while staying in control of my work and my time. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. After trying out more than ten different business ideas, I finally found one that worked—and it all started with repurposed rail tracks.
I got the idea after seeing someone else attempt a similar concept, but they were crafting everything by hand, making it nearly impossible to scale. I realized I had the tools to make the process better—like laser cutting instead of hand-cutting. With that in mind, I went to the shop, made my first prototype, and started posting about it online. The audience grew little by little, and after just a couple of months, I got four orders in one day. That’s when I realized, “Oh shit, this could really work.”
Overcoming Challenges
The early days weren’t without hurdles. At first, the design was too tight, and I had to file every piece of wood manually. That wasted time, so I redesigned it for precision. I also had a customer point out that tracks need to be perfectly polished to avoid pits that transfer onto jewelry—something I hadn’t realized at first. Those challenges taught me how to refine the product and make it better for the people who use it.
Everything I know, I taught myself. The first anvil I made was definitely different from what it is now, but every improvement has made it stronger, more practical, and more efficient to produce.
What Makes It Unique
The Railway Reverso Anvil is one of a kind. No one else makes anything like it. Its reversible design gives you both a flat and rounded surface, making it perfect for various tasks. The laser-cut base is not just visually appealing—it allows for easy flipping, saving time and effort. Plus, it’s crafted from recycled materials, including repurposed rail tracks and plywood, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional anvils.
Crafting the Anvil
The process of making each anvil is as unique as the product itself:
- I source the rail tracks from a metal company and cut them into 7-inch pieces.
- Then, I laser-cut batches of wooden bases, glue them together, and leave them to set overnight.
- Once ready, I grind and polish the rail tracks to perfection, ensuring a smooth surface for jewelry makers and small-scale metalworkers.
- Finally, I wax the wood and tracks, and add the electroplated handles—also cut, bent, and powder-coated by hand.
When It Took Off
The turning point came when I sold four anvils in one day. Back then, I was charging only $100, and I burned out from all the work. I wasn’t making enough for it to be worth the effort. That’s when I decided to raise my prices. Now, at $279.99, I can focus on making each piece with care while maintaining a sustainable workload. Knowing your worth is a crucial lesson I learned.
What It Means
This anvil isn’t just a product—it’s a part of my journey. It’s the first business that truly worked for me and kept me financially free. Seeing customers use my anvils for tasks like jewelry making, accordion repair, or small-scale metalwork is incredibly rewarding. It’s fulfilling to know that something I’ve made helps others create their own work.
The Railway Reverso Anvil isn’t just durable and functional—it’s a tool with a story, designed to make a real impact for the makers who use it.
Join the Story
Every anvil carries a piece of its history, from the recycled materials to the craftsmanship behind it. Want to be part of the journey? Shop now and own a tool that’s as unique as the work you create.