H13 is one of the best “hot-working” tool steels. It is difficult to forge, but the advantage is that once you get it into the shape that you want, it resists deformation extremely well, better than any other steel I’ve used. It is also an air-hardening steel, so you need to cool it very slowly in order for it to be soft enough for you to grind it efficiently. For example, letting it cool down in the forge for a few hours after you are done forging the piece. It is not recommended to cool this steel in water when hot.

I personally use H13 for my drifts and punches that are used with power hammers and presses.Note that this is 1 1/2 inch diameter round stock, and it comes normalized.

Select the billet length you’d like as well as the quantity!