anvil

An anvil is a tool with a hard, flat surface that provides a stable base for shaping metal by hammering. It is primarily used in blacksmithing and farriery. A typical anvil consists of a body mounted on a base or stand, a flat top called the face, a horn for forming curved shapes, and various holes for tools and accessories. Anvils are used for hammering, flattening, bending, and punching metal, as well as for shaping and finishing work.

Materials and construction commonly used for anvils today include cast steel or ductile iron with a hardened steel face. Traditional anvils often employed wrought iron with a steel face, while some older designs were entirely cast iron. The horn provides a rounded forming surface, and the face is the primary area for shaping metal. A hardy hole accepts profile tools, and a pritchel hole accepts punches. Weights vary widely, from small portable anvils of a few kilograms to large industrial anvils weighing hundreds of kilograms.

Types and applications vary by use. Blacksmiths use general-purpose anvils for a range of forging tasks, while farriers use anvils suited to hoof work. Specialty anvils exist for sheet metal work, jewelry, or welding-related tasks. In workshops, the anvil is usually mounted securely to absorb hammer blows and minimize vibration, often on a sturdy block or stand.

Historically, the anvil is among the oldest metalworking tools, with designs that have persisted for centuries. Advances in metallurgy and manufacturing have enhanced durability and performance while preserving the basic operating principles.