Are swage blocks any use for armourers?

I've seen it asked a good few times in forums, are swage blocks useful to armourers?
I would say yes, not as swage blocks so much, but they make superb stake holders and occasionally the weird shapes and forms on them are just what was needed.
If you have limited space and limited bench making skills they can prove valuable additions to any work space, just beware they can be expensive and are nearly always heavy.

[@bobvines00]

Graham, whoever gifted you with that swage block _really_ gave you a _great_ gift. I hope to find an affordable one one day for my workshop.

[@GreenleafWorkshop]

good luck to you and no doubt it was a great gift.

[@rajhooblal5455]

Greetings from Durban South Africa. I just found one in Pretoria Gauteng. 100kg beast , identical to yours. Been looking around for one for over 30 years. I also recently scooped a 150 kg Hay Budden anvil and a Norton number 3 flypress.......I'm ready to roll!
Great video!

[@Gterr1971]

I cleaned out an old barn and found a swage block very similar to yours.a great find !!!!!!!

[@bigoldgrizzly]

I have just bought a brand new one ... I say new but, after it was bought, it was never used once, but stored wrapped in oily rags in the back of the old fellow's workshop for 60 years - Now that really is 'new old stock' It has turned black over that time, has a lovely patina and it almost seems a shame to use it ..... but use it I will ! While he said he 'bought it', I do sort of wonder if it was 'acquired' or 'taken into protective custody' as these were never cheap and it would have been a lot of loot to splash out for something he didn't use.