This study presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental investigation into the influence of punch shaft geometry on punching force and tool durability in the cold forming of S500MC steel sheets using an AISI D2 punch. Finite element analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of varying punch shaft diameters on stress distribution, deformation behavior, and resultant punching forces. Experimental validation was performed through controlled punching tests, measuring force responses and assessing tool wear. The results demonstrate that optimizing the punch shaft diameter reduces the maximum punching force and minimizes stress concentrations, thereby enhancing tool life. Specifically, larger punch shaft diameters contribute to more uniform stress distribution and decreased risk of premature tool failure. These findings provide valuable insights for tooling design in high-strength steel sheet forming processes, enabling improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing operations.