A swage block is a versatile, multi-sided anvil substitute featuring various geometric cutouts along its perimeter and through-holes in its face. Blacksmiths use the edge grooves to forge round, hexagonal, or custom profiles by hammering hot stock into the depressions. The through-holes act as bolsters for punching, drifting, or upsetting long bars that would not fit over a standard anvil face.
Heard on the job
Stand the swage block on its edge so I can use the large half-round groove to dish this shovel blade.