Best steels for forging in freezing shop conditions

[Alan]

We’ve all experienced those frigid winter days when the anvil feels like it’s got its own chill factor and some steels just don’t seem to cooperate. This discussion dives into which alloys really shine when you’re forging in those bone-numbing sub-zero temps. Feel free to share your own experiences and what’s worked for you.

 

[quenchquest]

When it's super cold, I always go with 5160. It's pretty forgiving and doesn't crack as easily when my shop is close to freezing.

 

[FireAndFury]

Last winter, I gave W-1 a shot, and it was a total disaster. It kept chipping on me. I'm going back to easier steels, like 1084, from now on.