The reason why metal is placed in water during forging is because when it comes to forming a steel object, different metals are used depending upon the task at hand. For example, when forming a steel object that will be used for cutting into various shapes, there's a high demand for carbon steel. This is because carbon steel can be hardened by placing it in water and then tempered or annealed before cutting into shape
On the other hand, when forming an object that will require some sort of mechanical work or work that needs to be done with high precision, there's a need for tool steels such as stainless steel or even titanium. These metals are less likely to rust and maintain their shape better than other forms of steel
When forming an object from stainless steel or titanium, they require more time than carbon steels due to their lightweight nature and flexibility which allows them to bend without breaking under pressure. This makes these metals ideal for industrial use where heavy tools are required.
why is metal placed in water during forging