EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 333-75451 of AK Steel Corporation and No. 333- 75451-01 of AK Steel Holding 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 such Registration Statement. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP Cincinnati, Ohio August 2, 1999