Anvils

An anvil is a massive, heavy-duty striking block that serves as the foundational working surface for both hot and cold metal forging, flattening, bending, cutting, and general percussive metalworking. A classic blacksmith's anvil features a hardened flat working face, a tapered horn (for forging curved radii and rings), and hardy/pritchel holes for securing auxiliary bottom tools. For professional blacksmithing and heavy fabrication, anvils drop-forged or cast from high-grade hardened steel are preferred (they offer excellent hammer rebound and resist denting). For lighter garage tasks, jewelry making, or basic mechanic's work, compact cast-iron anvils are an excellent choice. The primary selection criterion is the tool's weight: the heavier the anvil, the more efficiently it absorbs and transfers striking energy without bouncing.