The guy is one of my 14 shop employes. He is the 4th generation. that's why he looks old i am just the second :)as far as i know. Taping the handel on the anvil is done in order for the hammer had to be more stable and enter into the handel a little diiper.Plus it helps with the song that;s why i let him hit my anvil with the hammer head as well betwen hits.It's a pleasure 2 see him working.