If you’ve ever stood in front of your forge, red-hot metal waiting to be transformed, and thought, “Dang, which pair of tongs should I grab?”, you’re not alone.
Trust me, I’ve been there. The world of tongs can be confusing, but fear not! Let’s dive into the fantastic universe of tongs and find out which ones you should use for what. 🛠️🔥
Are All Tongs Created Equal?
Spoiler alert: No, they aren’t!
Just like how you wouldn’t use a butter knife to slice a loaf of bread, you don’t want to use the wrong tongs for the wrong job. Not only can it be frustrating, but it can also be unsafe.
1. Flat Jaw Tongs – The Jack of All Trades
The Universal Look
- Look: Flat jaw tongs, with their broad and flat tips, often remind folks of straight-edged pincers or paddles. Simple in design but mighty in function.
The Go-To For Many Tasks
- Best for: Their wide, flat jaws provide the perfect landscape for evenly distributing pressure across various materials. Ideal for bladesmiths, these tongs shine when handling flat stock, making tasks like forging knife blades or guards a cinch. They can easily accommodate wider materials, preventing unintentional warping or bends as you work your magic.
The Thickness Spectrum
- Varieties: Did you know that these tongs aren’t one-size-fits-all? They come in a myriad of thicknesses! Thicker jaws are the champions for gripping heavier stock, ensuring it doesn’t budge. In contrast, their thinner siblings are gentle giants, suitable for delicate operations and lighter materials.
Durability and Maintenance
- Care Tips: Like all tools, flat jaw tongs need some TLC. Regularly check for signs of wear or damage. Since they handle a lot of different materials, it’s a good idea to clean them after each session to prevent any residue buildup. A little oil now and then ensures they operate smoothly without any hitches.
Remember that fiasco with my first dagger project? The one I laugh about now but was almost in tears then? I was using a mismatched pair of tongs that couldn’t grip my blade material properly.
Switching to a trusty pair of flat jaw tongs turned my misadventure into a triumphant success story. It felt like wearing the right pair of glasses and seeing clearly for the first time!
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned smith, a pair of these in your toolkit is akin to having a Swiss army knife in the wilderness. Essential and versatile!
2. V-Bit Tongs – The Precise Gripper
Appearance Speaks Volumes
- Look: These tongs have a distinct characteristic – the jaws form a pronounced ‘V’ shape. Picture a bird’s beak, but more geometric and angular. That’s your V-Bit tong.
The Ideal Candidate
- Best for: These tongs are a dream when it comes to holding round or square stock. Their unique design allows for a snug grip, minimizing the chances of the stock rotating during work. They are particularly well-suited for tasks that demand precision and stability. Whether you’re working on rods, bars, or shaping the tang of a knife blank, the V-Bit tongs offer unparalleled control.
Different Depths for Different Grips
- Varieties: The depth of the ‘V’ can vary. Shallow V-Bits are versatile and can handle both round and some flat stock. Deeper V-Bits, on the other hand, offer a more secure grip on round materials, making them ideal for intricate tasks where slipping is a no-no.
Did you know? Early in my smithing journey, I was oblivious to the importance of the right tools.
Once, while working on a uniquely designed knife handle, I opted for flat jaw tongs instead of V-Bits for a round stock. What ensued was a comedy of errors – slips, near misses, and a dance of dodging hot metal!
The day I added V-Bit tongs to my arsenal was the day my precision game changed for good.
3. Wolf Jaw Tongs – The Versatile Buddy
Distinctly Wolfish Features
- Look: Wolf jaw tongs are instantly recognizable by their multi-grip design. The jaws of these tongs feature several notches and contours, much like the jagged appearance of a wolf’s maw, hence the name.
When Versatility is Key
- Best for: The real beauty of the wolf jaw tongs lies in their adaptability. Designed to accommodate various stock sizes and shapes, they can handle both round and flat stock. Whether you’re manipulating a thin rod, a chunky bar, or a flat sheet, the wolf jaws got your back. For those unpredictable projects where you’re constantly switching between different materials, these tongs can save you from juggling multiple tools.
Anatomy of a Grip
- Dynamics: The front part of the tongs can grip smaller round stock while the rear can hold larger square or flat stock. This dual nature offers flexibility without sacrificing the strength of the grip.
Quick Tip: If you’re just venturing into the world of blacksmithing and are contemplating which tongs to get first, wolf jaw tongs could be your golden ticket. Their adaptability makes them a staple for many professionals and hobbyists alike. Think of them as the reliable multitaskers of the tong realm.
Remember that project I mentioned? The one where I was blending traditional and modern designs into a singular masterpiece? I had to transition between various metal stocks.
My wolf jaw tongs were like an extension of my hand, effortlessly shifting between different materials, making the process seamless and efficient.
4. Pick-Up Tongs – The Long Reach
Sleek and Slender By Design
- Look: These tongs set themselves apart with long, slender jaws that can either be straight or slightly curved, resembling elongated fingers ready to pluck and hold.
A Safe Distance, Always
- Best for: The primary function of pick-up tongs is in the name itself – picking up! Their elongated design allows blacksmiths to safely reach into the depths of a roaring forge or to handle small, fiddly items like rivets, nails, and tiny components without getting too close to the heat or risking a burn.
It’s Not About the Grip, But the Grab
- Advantages: While they might not offer the same vice-like grip as other specialized tongs, pick-up tongs excel in situations where quick retrieval or placement is needed. Their length offers a blend of safety and precision. Plus, with their design, you can navigate tight spaces, pick out that stubborn piece that’s playing hide and seek in the forge, or handle items that are too hot to get close to.
Remember the escapade I shared about the ‘Great Nail Chase of 2019’? If I’d had my trusty pick-up tongs by my side then, I wouldn’t have been scouring the depths of my forge like a pirate hunting for hidden treasure!
These tongs turned many such frustrating hours into mere seconds of effortless retrieval. And trust me, when you’re engrossed in a project, every second counts!
5. Blade Tongs – For the Knife Masters
Tailored for the Blade
- Look: These tongs stand out with their design specifically tailored to hold blades. They usually feature two extended bits or arms that can grasp the blade by its tang or sometimes the blade itself, ensuring a firm, stable grip.
Crafted for the Craft
- Best for: As the name suggests, blade tongs are a bladesmith’s best friend. Whether you’re forging a dagger, a chef’s knife, or a broadsword, these tongs provide a precise grip. They allow you to manage the blade during the crucial stages of forging, quenching, and finishing without risking any damage or misalignment to your creation.
Holding vs. Handling
- Unique Aspect: Unlike other tongs that grip the stock’s width or breadth, blade tongs are designed to securely hold the blade’s length. This allows for more effective hammering, shaping, and refining of the blade, especially when dealing with longer blades where balance and control are paramount.
Here’s a tidbit from my blade-making days: The first time I tried to forge a kukri (a curved Nepalese knife), I underestimated the challenge of handling its unique shape.
Halfway through, I realized my regular tongs weren’t cutting it (pun intended!). Enter blade tongs. The moment I switched, the entire process transformed. With them, I could handle the blade with the finesse it demanded, ensuring every curve and edge was just right.
So, knife makers, if there’s one investment you won’t regret, it’s a reliable pair of blade tongs!
How to Choose the Best Tongs for Your Project?
Navigating the world of tongs can seem a tad overwhelming. With so many varieties tailored for specific tasks, how do you pick the right one? Let’s delve into some steps and considerations to guide your choice.
1. Shape & Size of Your Material
- Question to Ask: What’s the primary material I’ll be working with? Is it flat, round, long, or short?
By understanding the shape and size of your material, you can pinpoint the tongs designed to handle it most efficiently.
2. Length & Leverage
- Consideration: The length of the tongs plays a pivotal role. Longer tongs give you more distance from the heat but can be unwieldy, offering less control. Shorter tongs, however, provide more leverage and precision but can get you closer to the heat.
3. Safety & Security
- A Golden Rule: Never compromise on a secure grip. A loose hold can lead to accidents, injuries, or ruined projects. Ensure the tongs fit well with the material, holding it securely without slips.
4. Adaptability & Versatility
- Thinking Ahead: Will you be using the tongs for multiple tasks or just one specific project? Some tongs, like the wolf jaw, are versatile and adaptable to various tasks. On the other hand, blade tongs, for instance, are specialized for blade work.
5. Personal Comfort & Ergonomics
- Your Best Fit: At the end of the day, the best tongs should feel like a natural extension of your arm. Consider the weight, handle design, and balance. If possible, try them out before committing. Are they comfortable to hold? Do they strain your wrist or hand?
One lesson I’ve learned the hard way: I once bought a fancy pair of tongs because they were the talk of the town. They looked great, but boy, they were a nightmare to handle.
Too heavy and imbalanced. I ended up switching back to my old, less shiny, but far more comfortable pair.
So, always prioritize personal comfort and fit over all else. It can be the difference between a dream project and a day of frustration!
Final Thoughts
From the versatile flat jaws to the precision of blade tongs, each pair has its own tale to tell and role to play in your smithing journey.
Remember, as with any craft, it’s not just about the tools but how you wield them. Your tongs are an extension of your hands, offering precision, safety, and control. By understanding and selecting the right pair, you set yourself up for success, ensuring each project is not just a task but a passionate masterpiece.
As you step into your forge, feel the weight and grip of your chosen tongs, and dive into your next creation, take a moment to appreciate this age-old craft and the tools that empower it. And never forget my adventures (and misadventures) – they’re a testament to the fact that with the right tools and a sprinkle of persistence, every piece of metal holds a world of potential.
