What is an Anvil?
An anvil is a solid block of steel, wrought iron, or another similar strong metal. The anvil has been in use by humans for centuries, with basic anvils being used to work metals at the beginning of the Bronze Age. The anvil is used in a variety of metal working situations, from jewelsmithing to shoeing horses, and most metal workers have at least one anvil in their tool collection. The anvil is a cornerstone of metalworking, allowing metal to be quickly worked when hot or cool against a strong and resilient surface. Usually an anvil has a long protruding horn and one flat side called a heel, although some anvils have a horn and an irregularly shaped heel. The horn is used in some detail work and to mold metal into curved shapes. Some anvils also have holes in which various tools can be inserted, as well as a pad to brace metal on while it is being chiseled. The top of the anvil is usually flat, although some curved anvils are used for specialized applications. The basic shape of the an
