[fixiehorse]

I am new to these forums and new to blacksmithing in general.I have read enough to be dangerous but need to start doing . I have a lot of conventional weldng/shop equipment but no basic blacksmith tools. Here is my question. I dissassembled a large crane mounted over a railroad track for unloading very heavy objects. I kept the hook. I don't have a weight on it but1000# or better i am sure. When standing upside down it acually has a pretty good sized flat area before it goes to the hook end and can be made very stable . Does any body know what type of steel a hook like this would typically be made of? While I am prowling around looking for a decent anvil is there any thing wrong or unsafe with using it as one ( I realize it will not enhance my work but I am just trying to get a feel right now anyway). Thanks for any reply.