The Xurons are OK for cutting soft copper but the build and strength of them isn't good. Mine were finished with in a few months (but that equates to plenty of use though, for me).
I got a pair of Lindstrom flush cutters to replace them with - totally different animal - well made and solid, built to last (but I wouldn't cut anything thicker than 1/16th brass rod with them, though). The downside is that they are very expensive.
Regards,
Neil
BTW the mini anvils aren't totally necessary - a heft lump-hammer with flat sides turned on its side is admirable. I read about a guy who used a section of railway sleeper once - that was one solid-looking mini anvil he made himself!