just squishing steel does actually make it stronger, because it increases the number of dislocations in its crystal structure. smaller grains mean higher strength even without the variable grain direction. also, peening, which is not exactly the same as forging but is also just squishing steel, can give you higher strength for a third reason: areas with residual compressive stress can't initiate cracks until you overcome that stress, which increases strength. even more, though, it increases fatigue resistance
just squishing steel does actually make it stronger, because it increases the number of dislocations in its crystal structure. smaller grains mean higher strength even without the variable grain direction. also, peening, which is not exactly the same as forging but is also just squishing steel, can give you higher strength for a third reason: areas with residual compressive stress can't initiate cracks until you overcome that stress, which increases strength. even more, though, it increases fatigue resistance