Abstract: A die apparatus and method for forging a workpiece into a near net shaped gear, and includes a first die having a tooth die with a near net shaped negative cavity configured therein to forge the near net shaped gear. Also, the apparatus includes an axial restriction member that sufficiently reduces axial movement of the forged gear as tooth die moves away from the first die relative to the second die. This axial resistance member enables the head portion of the gear to be removed from the first die, and more specifically, the tooth die, after the forging portion of stroke is completed.