A description is given of a method and a device for forging a rod-shaped workpiece (5) which is deformed with the aid of forging tools (1, 2, 3, 4) in the sense of a cross-sectional displacement perpendicular to the forging axis (a) and is subjected to an axial advancement and possibly a rotation about the forging axis (a) during the pauses in the engagement of the forging tools (1, 2, 3, 4). In order to achieve an advantageous grain refinement, it is proposed that the workpiece (5) is deformed in the sense of the cross-sectional displacement perpendicular to the forging axis (a) in a bending zone (13) between two central supports (11) by means of the forging tools (1, 2, 3, 4) acting on the workpiece (5) radially in relation to the forging axis (a).