Minecraft wiki entry for Anvil_mechanics, associated text: This page explains the mechanics of the anvil. The anvil is primarily used to repair tools, armor, and weapons, which it can do without stripping their enchantments, unlike the grindstone. It can also be used to combine the enchantments of two items, to give an item a custom name, or to crush enemies, mobs or other players that walk beneath it while it is falling, with more damage inflicted upon the target from each block fallen. All its functions, except for damaging mobs and players, cost experience levels, and some have material costs.