The horn of the anvil is a conical projection used to form various round shapes and consists of unhardened steel. The horn is used mostly for bending operations. It is also used by some smiths as an aid in drawing down stock which means making it longer and thinner. The step is the area of the anvil between the horn and the face. It is soft and used for cutting with a purpose to prevent damaging the steel face of the anvil. The hardie hole is a square hole that specialized forming and cutting tools, called hardy tools, are placed. it is also used in punching and bending operations. The Pritchel hole is a small round hole that is used mostly for punching.