EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
AK Steel Holding Corporation and AK Steel Corporation on Form S-4 of our report
dated January 20, 1999, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AK Steel
Holding Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement.
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 1, 1999