Forge a metal that isn't already forged
If you're forging a metal that isn't already forged, you'll need to prepare it for the forge. This may require filing or sanding the metal. A handy trick is to initially forge your workpiece along with the piece you're forging; this way, if there is any kind of detail that needs to be removed from the surface of your intended workpiece, you can do it before beginning the forging process itself.
df how to forge metal