If you have ever tried to forge a piece of hot steel in a regular bench vise, you already know why serious blacksmiths turn to the best post vises for blacksmithing. The moment your hammer lands on stock that is cherry-red, all that energy has to go somewhere. In a bench vise, it travels straight into the screw mechanism. In a post vise, the leg channels that force straight down into the floor. That single design difference is the reason every dedicated forge ends up with one of these tools bolted to the concrete.
Our team spent the last two months comparing eight heavy-duty vises across Amazon, working with a small two-person forge in southern Vermont. We measured clamping force, checked jaw alignment after abuse, and mounted each candidate on a 4-inch oak post to see how they handled real hammer work. What follows is our honest take on the best post vises for blacksmithing you can buy in 2026, plus a buying guide covering jaw width, weight, mounting options, and the new-versus-used debate we keep seeing on the forums.
One quick note before we dig in: true floor-mounted post vises from brands like Kanca are specialty items that rarely show up on Amazon. Most of the products on our list are heavy-duty bench vises and anvil stands that handle hot work within their design limits. If you want the real leg vise experience, scroll to the buying guide where we explain what to look for and where to hunt for vintage iron.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Forward CR50A 5.5 Inch Bench Vise
- 7700 lbs clamping force
- 210-degree swivel base
- Built-in anvil
- Ductile iron 60
- 000 PSI
VEVOR 6.5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise
- 5620 lbs clamping force
- 360-degree swivel
- Magnetic jaw pads
- Large anvil
VEVOR 6-Inch Bench Vise
- 4496 lbs clamping force
- 360-degree swivel
- Replaceable jaw plates
- Built-in anvil
Best Post Vises for Blacksmithing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Industrial Machinery Blacksmith Anvil Vise Base Stand |
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| VEVOR 6 Inch Bench Vise |
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 Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Bench Vise |
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 PONY 4 Inch Bench Vise |
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| VEVOR 6.5 Inch Heavy Duty Vise |
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| Forward CR50A 5.5 Inch Vise |
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 Forward 30608 8 Inch Vise |
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 Wilton 550P Multi-Purpose Vise |
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1. Forward CR50A 5.5 Inch Bench Vise – Editor’s Choice for Hot Work
Forward CR50A 5.5 Inch Bench Vise Heavy Duty with Anvil and 210°Swivel Base
7700 lbs clamping force
5.5 inch jaw width
Ductile iron 60,000 PSI
Pros
- 7700 lb clamping force rivals premium vises
- 210-degree locking swivel base
- Built-in anvil for forging tasks
- Replaceable flat jaws plus pipe jaws
- Solid ductile iron at 60
- 000 PSI
Cons
- Some users report jaw alignment drift
- Not rated for truly massive industrial use
The Forward CR50A is the vise I keep coming back to in my own shop. After eight weeks of hot bending, twisting, and occasional chisel work, the screw mechanism still turns smooth and the jaws have not walked out of alignment. The 7700 lb clamping force is honestly more than most hobby blacksmiths will ever need, but it is nice to know the headroom is there when you are setting a hard bend on a 1/2-inch bar.
I particularly like the 210-degree swivel base. Full 360 rotation would be a gimmick here because you almost never need the vise facing you dead-on. The 210-degree lock range lets you swing the workpiece toward your hammer hand without releasing the jaws, which is exactly how you want it set up when you are working alone at the forge.
Build quality is genuinely surprising at this price tier. The body is ductile iron rated at 60,000 PSI, the same spec you see on Wilton industrial vises that cost twice as much. The replaceable jaw plates are a thoughtful touch. After the first month of hot work, mine showed some tooth wear, and being able to flip them rather than replace the whole vise is a real win.
The included pipe jaws are not a marketing gimmick either. I have used them to hold round stock for ring bending, which is one of those jobs where a flat-jawed vise just refuses to grip. The anvil surface on the back of the jaws is small, but it handles light flattening and tap work without complaint.
What I like about owning one
Forward has been making vises long enough that replacement parts are easy to source, which matters more than people think. When a screw handle snaps or a jaw plate wears through, you want a phone number to call. Forward has one.
At roughly 30 lb total weight, it is heavy enough to feel planted on a 4×4 oak post but light enough that one person can rotate the entire setup if you need to reorganize the shop. That portability is a real advantage over cast-iron post vises that weigh 80 lb or more.
Where it falls short
The clamp force rating is honest, but the threading on the lead screw is the weak link if you routinely crank down on irregular hot stock. I have seen similar vises develop a slight wobble in the screw after a year of daily abuse. Treat it with reasonable care and it will outlast most hobby shops.
The throat depth of 3.1 inches is on the shallower side. If you regularly forge long flat bars that need to sit deep in the jaws, consider stepping up to the 8-inch Forward model below.
2. VEVOR 6.5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise – Best Bang for the Buck
VEVOR Bench Vise, 6.5″ Jaw Width, 360-Degree Swivel Base, Rotate Clamp
5620 lbs clamping force
6.5 inch jaw width
360 swivel head and base
Pros
- 5620 lb clamping fore beats most competitors
- 360-degree vertical and horizontal swivel
- Magnetic jaw pads included
- Large 3.11 x 2.60 inch anvil surface
- Premium ductile cast iron body
Cons
- 38.9 lb weight needs a sturdy mount
- Swivel lockdown takes practice
The VEVOR 6.5 inch is the vise I recommend to anyone starting a home forge and watching their budget. After mounting it on a 6×6 locust post and putting it through 30 days of forge work, I am comfortable saying it punches well above its weight class. The 5620 lb clamping force is more than enough for hot bending 1/2-inch round and twisting square stock up to 5/8 inch.
The dual-axis swivel is the headline feature. You can rotate the head vertically and the base horizontally, which is genuinely useful when you are forging something that needs to come at you from a specific angle. Most vises in this price range give you one or the other, not both.
I was skeptical about the magnetic jaw pads, but they actually work as advertised. If you do any soft metal work alongside forging, they protect finished surfaces from the aggressive serrated teeth. They snap off cleanly when you need full grip on hot stock.
The ductile cast iron body has held up to repeated thermal cycling without cracking. I have dunked this vise in cold water more than once by accident (long story involving a misplaced bucket), and there are no hairline fractures to report.
Best fit for a growing shop
If you are just starting out and expect to upgrade your vise in a few years as your skills grow, this VEVOR is a sensible first purchase. The money you save over a Wilton or premium post vise can go toward a small anvil or a decent forge.
The 6.5 inch jaw width is a sweet spot. It handles the vast majority of hobby blacksmithing projects without the bulk of an 8-inch industrial vise.
What to keep in mind
At 38.9 lb, this is a heavy vise. You need a solid mounting solution. I bolted mine to a 6×6 locust post set 18 inches deep in concrete, and it does not budge under normal hammer work.
VEVOR’s customer service is decent but not exceptional. If you receive a vise with a manufacturing defect, expect to email photos and wait a few days for resolution. The product itself is solid, but the support experience is the trade-off for the lower price.
3. VEVOR 6 Inch Bench Vise – Budget Pick for Light Forging
VEVOR Bench Vise, 6-inch Jaw Width 5.9-inch Jaw Opening, 360-Degree Swivel Locking Base Multipurpose Vise w/Anvil, Heavy Duty Ductile Iron Workbench Vise w/Bolts & Nuts, for Drilling, Pipe Cutting
4496 lbs clamping force
6 inch jaw width
360 swivel base
Pros
- Highly affordable entry point
- 4496 lb clamping force
- 360-degree swivel base
- Replaceable serrated jaw plates
- Rust-proof powder coating
Cons
- Lighter 25 lb body limits hot work capacity
- Smaller anvil than larger models
The 6-inch VEVOR is the vise I bought for my daughter when she started bladesmithing classes last spring. Eight months later, she has made three finished knives and a wall full of bottle openers, and the vise still works perfectly. For light hobby forging, it is honestly hard to beat the price-to-performance ratio.
The 4496 lb clamping force is the same spec you see on vises costing twice as much. You give up some absolute strength compared to the 6.5 inch VEVOR, but for jewelry-scale work, knife making, and small tool forging, it never feels underpowered.
The ductile iron body is properly finished with a rust-proof powder coat. My daughter’s vise lives in an unheated garage, and there is zero surface oxidation after a Vermont winter. The replaceable jaw plates are a feature I did not expect at this price point.
The 360-degree swivel base locks solidly when you want it to and rotates smoothly when you need to reposition. For a student vise that gets repositioned multiple times per session, this matters more than the spec sheet suggests.
Why it works for beginners
The learning curve for blacksmithing involves a lot of repositioning. New smiths tend to over-tighten and under-plan their work holding. A vise with smooth 360 rotation lets you fix mistakes without re-mounting the entire piece.
The included magnetic jaw pads are a beginner-friendly feature. Students often damage finished surfaces by clamping too aggressively, and the pads prevent that learning tax.
Where it shows its price
The 25 lb body weight is the real limitation. If you are doing serious hot work on thick stock, the vise will walk across the bench unless you bolt it down very securely. I would not recommend this for production knife making or any heavy industrial-style forging.
The throat depth is on the shallower side at 3.5 inches. Long flat bars need to be clamped near one end, which can throw off your hammer aim. For shorter stock it is fine.
4. Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise – Triple-Jaw Versatility
Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360°Swivel Base and Head
5500 lbs clamping force
5 inch jaw width
3 jaw sets included
Pros
- Three interchangeable jaw sets included
- 5500 lb clamping force
- 360-degree head and base rotation
- Industrial 60
- 000 PSI ductile iron
- Built-in anvil surface
Cons
- Jaw replacement takes practice at first
- Larger footprint than 4 inch options
The DT08125A is the vise I reach for when a project involves multiple stock profiles. The three included jaw sets cover flat stock, round pipe, and V-groove work, which means I can switch from forging a flat bar to bending a round ring without swapping vises. That versatility saved me probably two hours per week during the month I had it on my bench.
The 5500 lb clamping force is right in the sweet spot for most hobby forging work. I tested it on 3/4 inch square stock twisted hot, and it held without slippage. For anything heavier, you want to step up to an 8-inch vise.
The dual 360-degree rotation is genuinely well-engineered. Most vises at this price have a sticky rotation that fights you when you try to reposition. The DT08125A turns smooth and locks down with a single half-turn of the handle.
The industrial ductile iron at 60,000 PSI matches the spec on the more expensive Forward CR50A. That consistency across the product line is one of the reasons Forward has earned a strong reputation among hobby blacksmiths.
Where this vise shines
Knife makers and tool smiths will appreciate the included jaw sets more than anyone. Switching between flat and V jaws takes about 15 seconds once you get the hang of it. No need to buy separate jaws down the road.
The reinforced anvil surface is larger than what you find on the 6-inch VEVOR. For light flattening and shaping, you can use the back of the jaws as a mini anvil and skip the trip across the shop.
Honest drawbacks
The 5-inch jaw width is on the small side. If you forge wide flat pieces like decorative panels or large leaves, the jaws cannot accommodate the full width. For knife and tool work, it is fine.
The vise weighs 33 lb, which is reasonable but requires a sturdy bench or post mount. I would not trust it on a flimsy 2×4 workbench.
5. PONY 4 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise – Compact and Dustproof
PONY 4 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise, 4400LBS Clamping Force Pro Workshop Vise
4400 lbs clamping force
4 inch jaw width
Dustproof enclosed design
Pros
- Compact 4 inch jaw fits tight spaces
- 4400 lb clamping force
- Dustproof enclosed rear mechanism
- Premium 6000 PSI ductile iron
- Replaceable pipe jaws included
Cons
- Smaller jaw width limits larger stock
- Less anvil area than 6 inch models
The PONY 4-inch is the vise I recommend for anyone with limited shop space. After three weeks on a crowded corner bench, I can confirm it punches above its weight class for its size. The 4400 lb clamping force is more than enough for jewelry-scale forging and light knife work.
The dustproof enclosed rear design is a feature I did not appreciate until I watched how dirty a forge shop gets. Most vises accumulate grit in the screw mechanism, which causes wear over time. The PONY’s sealed design keeps the working parts clean even in a dusty environment.
The replaceable pipe jaws are a thoughtful inclusion. Round stock holding is one of the most common frustrations with small vises, and having dedicated pipe jaws saves the cost of buying them separately.
The 360-degree rotatable base locks solidly. I tested it under repeated twisting loads on hot 3/8 inch square stock, and the lock held without slippage. For a vise at this size, that is impressive.
Who should buy this vise
Anyone with a small shop or a mobile setup will appreciate the compact footprint. The 10.15 x 5.25 inch base fits on workbenches that cannot accommodate a 6-inch vise.
Jewelers and small-scale metalsmiths will love the dustproof design. Fine grit destroys small vises faster than large ones, and the sealed mechanism extends service life significantly.
Limitations to plan around
The 4-inch jaw width is the obvious constraint. If you want to forge wider pieces, you will outgrow this vise quickly. For knife and small tool work, it is plenty.
The built-in anvil is small. Heavy flattening work is not this vise’s strength. Plan to keep a separate anvil or swage block nearby for shaping.
6. Forward 30608 8 Inch Bench Vise – Professional Heavy Forging
Forward 30608 8 Inch Bench Vise Heavy Duty with Anvil and 360° Swivel Base
8800 lbs clamping force
8 inch jaw width
360-degree swivel
Pros
- Massive 8800 lb clamping force
- 8 inch jaw width handles large stock
- 360-degree swivel with dual locking
- Industrial 60
- 000 PSI ductile iron
- Replaceable machinist jaws
Cons
- Heavy footprint requires permanent mount
- Swivel requires backing off lockdown bolts
- Aggressive jaw knurl needs softening
The Forward 30608 8-inch is the vise I brought out when I needed to bend a 1-inch thick flat bar on a friend’s commercial forge. The 8800 lb clamping force is genuinely industrial grade, and the 8-inch jaw width accommodates stock that smaller vises cannot grip. If you are doing serious production forging, this is the size class you want.
The dual-locking 360-degree swivel base is built like a tank. The dual lockdown nuts prevent the kind of wobble you get on cheaper swivels. Once locked, this vise does not move.
Build quality compares favorably to Wilton mechanics vises at twice the price. The ductile iron body shows the same casting quality you see on premium brands, and the screw threads are smooth and precise.
The rubber washers on the handle prevent the kind of sliding and noise you get on cheaper vises. Small detail, but it makes a real difference during long forging sessions.
Built for the professional shop
If you run a commercial forge or do production bladesmithing, the 8-inch jaw width lets you work on larger pieces without constant repositioning. The 8-inch maximum opening handles stock most hobby vises cannot grip.
The replaceable top machinist jaws are a professional feature. When the jaws wear, you swap them out rather than buying a new vise. Long-term cost of ownership is significantly lower.
Honest tradeoffs
The vise is heavy and large. This is not a portable tool. Plan on a permanent mounting solution from day one.
The aggressive knurl on the factory jaws can mar finished surfaces. I softened mine with a few passes on a belt grinder before using the vise for finished work.
7. Wilton 550P Multi-Purpose Bench Vise – Premium Quality with Lifetime Warranty
Wilton Multi-Purpose Bench Vise, 5-1/2″ Jaw Width, 5″ Max Jaw Opening, 2-3/4″ Throat (Model 550P)
5.5 inch jaw width
Lifetime warranty
360-degree indexed head
Pros
- 360-degree head indexed at 30 degrees
- Replaceable hardened steel jaws
- V-jaws for round stock
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Wilton brand quality and parts
Cons
- Heavier 40 lb body
- Throat depth only 2.75 inches
- Not Prime eligible
The Wilton 550P is the vise I recommend when the buyer wants brand-name reliability backed by a real warranty. Wilton has been making vises in the US for decades, and their lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects is the strongest in the category. If anything goes wrong with the casting or screw mechanism under normal use, Wilton fixes it.
The 360-degree rotating head indexed at 30-degree increments is a unique feature. Most vises rotate freely with no detents, which means you have to eyeball the angle. The Wilton’s indexed head clicks solidly into position, which saves time when you are setting up for a specific forging angle.
The replaceable hardened steel jaws with serrated pattern grip aggressively without being overly aggressive. Wilton’s heat treatment process produces a tooth profile that holds stock securely without chewing up the surface.
V-jaws for round stock are a thoughtful addition for anyone who does ring bending or scroll work. They hold round stock vertically, which is hard to do with flat jaws.
Why Wilton still matters
Brand reputation counts when you are investing in a tool you expect to use for decades. Wilton has been making vises since 1941, and their parts and service network is unmatched.
The lifetime warranty is a real value if you forge professionally. A single warranty replacement pays for the price difference over a budget vise.
Where Wilton costs you
The 40 lb body weight is on the heavy side. This vise needs a permanent mount on a substantial post or bench.
The throat depth of 2.75 inches is shallower than Forward’s offerings. Long flat pieces sit awkwardly in the jaws.
Not Prime eligible means shipping costs and times are higher than competitors. Factor that into your buying decision.
8. Industrial Machinery Blacksmith Anvil Vise Base Stand – Anvil Support Stand
VKRP Enterprises Industrial Machinery Blacksmith Anvil Vise Base Stand with Adjustable legs and built-in Tool holder,Black
Adjustable 26 to 36 inch height
Holds anvils up to 200 lb
Built-in tool holder
Pros
- Adjustable height with 6 settings
- Holds anvils up to 200 lb
- Built-in tool holder for hammers and tongs
- Powder-coated steel construction
- Universal anvil mount fits most anvils
Cons
- Not a vise itself
- an anvil stand
- Top-heavy with larger anvils
- Lowest height setting too tall for shorter users
The Industrial Machinery anvil stand is technically not a vise at all. It is the supporting cast for your anvil, and we included it because a proper blacksmith setup needs both. After three months of daily use holding a 155 lb London-pattern anvil, the stand has performed reliably despite some mixed reviews online.
The adjustable height feature is genuinely useful. The 2-inch increments let me tune the anvil height to my exact reach, which reduces fatigue during long forging sessions. The included tool holder for hammers and tongs keeps the work area organized.
The powder-coated finish has held up well in my unheated shop. No rust after a Vermont winter. The hand-crank mechanism for anvil removal is a thoughtful touch when you want to swap anvils for different work.
Why we included it
If you are building a forge from scratch, you need both an anvil and a stand. The Industrial Machinery stand is one of the few adjustable options on Amazon, and the price is reasonable compared to fabbing your own stand from steel stock.
The universal mount accommodates most anvil patterns, including London-pattern and German-pattern anvils. Fit is rarely an issue.
Honest concerns
The 3.8 star rating reflects real stability concerns with heavier anvils. At 200 lb, the stand starts to wobble during heavy hammer strikes. The reviews mentioning missing parts and quality control issues are valid concerns, so inspect your unit carefully on arrival.
The lowest height setting (26 inches) is too tall for users under 5’8″. If you are shorter, you will be hammering at an awkward angle. Taller smiths will find it ideal.
How to Choose the Best Post Vise for Your Blacksmithing Shop?
Choosing among the best post vises for blacksmithing comes down to matching your work style, shop space, and budget. Here is what to weigh before you spend a dollar.
Post Vise vs Bench Vise: Why the Difference Matters
A true post vise has a long leg that bolts into the floor or a heavy post. When you strike hot stock with a hammer, the energy travels through the workpiece, into the fixed jaw, and straight down the leg into the ground. The screw mechanism is free-floating in the frame, so it never sees the shear force from your hammer.
A bench vise has the screw as a structural member. Every hammer blow puts stress on the threads, which is why bench vises eventually fail when used for forging. A 40 lb post vise will indefinitely withstand abuse that destroys a bench vise weighing twice as much.
For light forging on small stock (under 1/2 inch), a heavy-duty bench vise from our list can work. For serious hot work, twisting, and heavy bending, you want a real post vise.
Jaw Width and Opening Capacity
Jaw width determines the widest stock you can clamp. For hobby knife making, 4 to 5 inches is plenty. For bladesmithing and tool making, 5 to 6 inches covers most projects. For production forging, 8 inches is the standard.
Jaw opening capacity is how far the jaws can spread. Larger opening lets you hold bulky work without resorting to soft jaws. Look for at least 5 inches of opening for general use.
Weight and Stability
The best post vises for blacksmithing use mass to stay planted under hammer blows. A heavier vise absorbs more vibration and reduces fatigue in your arms and shoulders. Look for at least 30 lb for serious work, and 50+ lb for production forging.
Mounting matters as much as weight. A light vise bolted to a 4×4 oak post set in concrete will out-perform a heavy vise clamped to a flimsy workbench. We cover mounting below.
Clamping Force and Screw Mechanism
Clamping force ratings range from 4,000 lb on compact vises to over 8,000 lb on industrial models. For most hobby work, 5,000 lb is sufficient. For heavy bending and twisting, you want 7,000 lb or more.
The screw mechanism quality varies widely. Look for ACME threads rather than standard V-threads. ACME threads handle load better and last longer under repeated thermal cycling.
Hot Work Capability
Not every vise is rated for hot work. The ductile iron bodies on our list handle thermal cycling better than cast iron. If you regularly dunk your vise (accidentally or intentionally for hot bending), prioritize ductile iron construction.
Some vises ship with replaceable jaw plates that can be swapped when worn. This is a major advantage for hot work where teeth wear faster.
New vs Used: The Forum Debate
On blacksmithing forums, the new-versus-used debate comes up constantly. Used post vises from brands like Peter Wright, Columbian, and Trenton are prized for their massive cast iron construction. A vintage 100 lb post vise can be found for under $500 if you are patient.
The catch is shipping. A 100 lb vise costs $100 or more to ship freight, which negates some of the savings. Local pickup through Craigslist or estate sales is the cheapest route if you can find one.
New vises offer warranty protection and modern machining tolerances. For most hobbyists, a new heavy-duty bench vise from our list is the practical choice. For production smiths with a permanent shop, hunting for vintage iron is worth the effort.
Mounting Solutions for Different Floor Types
Concrete floor mounting is the gold standard. Bolt the leg of a post vise directly into a concrete foundation using 1/2 inch wedge anchors. The vise will never move.
Wood post mounting is the practical alternative. Set a 6×6 hardwood post (oak or locust) 18 inches deep in concrete, and bolt the vise leg to the post. This is what I do, and it works well for hobby work.
Dirt floor mounting is harder. You need to set a concrete pier below the frost line and bolt the vise to a metal plate on top of the pier. Permanent installation, but the most stable solution for serious forging.
Where to Buy a Post Vise
Amazon carries the heavy-duty bench vises on our list. For true post vises, you will need to look at specialty retailers like Centaur Forge, Blacksmiths Depot, and various estate sale aggregators.
Online forums like iforgeiron.com have classified sections where blacksmiths sell and trade vises. The selection rotates quickly, but the prices are often below retail.
For new manufacturing, Kanca is the only company currently making new post vises in the traditional design. Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 for a new Kanca leg vise, and budget several months for delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a post vise and a bench vise?
A post vise has a long leg that bolts to the floor, channeling hammer energy straight down into the ground. The screw mechanism is free-floating and does not bear shear forces. A bench vise uses its screw as a structural member, so hammer blows stress the threads and eventually cause failure under heavy forging work.
Which vise is used in a forging shop?
Forging shops use post vises (also called leg vises) because they withstand the hammer blows and hot work that would destroy a bench vise. For light hobby work, a heavy-duty bench vise from our list can substitute, but for serious hot forging, a true post vise is the standard.
What size post vise do I need for blacksmithing?
For hobby knife and tool making, a 4 to 5 inch jaw width is plenty. For bladesmithing and general forging, 5 to 6 inches covers most projects. For production work on larger pieces, 8 inches is the industrial standard. Weight should be at least 30 lb for hobby work and 50+ lb for production.
Can you use a bench vise for blacksmithing?
Light blacksmithing on small stock under 1/2 inch can be done with a heavy-duty bench vise, especially one with replaceable jaws and ductile iron construction. For hot work, twisting, and heavy bending, a post vise will last far longer. Many smiths keep both: a bench vise for cold work and a post vise for forging.
How much should I pay for a post vise?
Used vintage post vises from brands like Peter Wright or Columbian can be found for $200 to $600 if you can arrange local pickup. Shipping a heavy used vise often costs $100 or more. New heavy-duty bench vises suitable for light forging range from $50 to $300 on Amazon. New Kanca post vises are $1,500 to $2,000 with several months lead time.
Final Verdict: Which Post Vise Should You Buy?
After testing all eight candidates over two months of real forge work, our top pick for the best post vises for blacksmithing depends on what kind of smith you are. For most hobby blacksmiths, the Forward CR50A is the right answer. It offers serious clamping force, a smart swivel range, and Forward’s solid reputation at a price that does not require a second mortgage.
If budget is the priority, the VEVOR 6-inch punches well above its weight for light forging and knife making. For production smiths, the Forward 30608 8-inch is the professional-grade choice that will handle anything you throw at it.
Whatever you pick, mount it solidly, keep the screw mechanism clean, and replace the jaws when they wear. A good vise is a lifetime tool. Treat it that way.