Just a note on spring straightening.
I see a lot cut the spring in some saw then straighten it out and am not sure what approach most take but I do know that heating the whole spring then unravelling it is great and quick.
If the spring is real big then some convenient tractor or pick up could be put into use.
then when cut all the ends are square.

for a quick biting cut off tool I use a butcher. that is a curved face butcher that curves the other way and is flat to one side. the two higher edges keep the tool on track and give a solid mark to carry on from(and I can see the cut). Cutting around the frogs I use a brickies chisel that is so worn and re-sharpened it has the same concave face to make it easy to get the edges in first.

I like the tapered hardy shank that can travel from one anvil to the other. but rarely use a hardy.