Forging Zirconium?

[shqxk]

I got a round bar of 1.5" x 8" zirconium 702 and want to forge it into a frame or guard of the knife. Anyone know the temperature or any process require to forging this metal?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I don't have a direct answer, but considering its reactivity when hot, it may be very hard to forge. It machines pretty well.