Watcing this in 2023, after watching Black Bear Forge building a set of your slotted jaw tongs. I just received my quick tongs and rapid tong sets yesterday, having ordered them after he recommended them in a video I watched several days back. Talk about out of this world packaging and on time delivery! The tongs were so neatly and compactly bundled that my immediate thought was that I hadn't received my entire order!😂 I was really surprised to see everything I ordered included in such a compact sturdy package. Hats off to whoever did that. WELL DONE! Amazon should consult with your shipping department for instructions on bundling.😂 Thanks again for a pleasant purchase experience! Edit to add : SUBSCRIBED
I hope John@BBF is getting a kickback..lol. I too bought because he suggested you guys as well. Blanks arrived today. I'm new to forging I am looking forward to adding these guys to the one nice pair I made so far. Those forged from 1/2 in...alot of manual hammering for newbie ..lol. Power hammers what a neat idea, dreams this old guys body.
Marylou- besides being overjoyed with your products,, the last two orders I ordered in the middle of week and they were on. My door step Monday morning. Even your delivery is excellent. Thank you and Ken for outstanding video,s
I'm helping my young son to explore smithing and appreciate the pointers. Tongs are one of the most basic tools and this will do very well to help get him on his way. Thanks for the very nice step-by-step.
We are very glad to hear the video has been helpful for you and your son, Andrew! You're always welcome to let us know if you come across any questions!
I Envy you lads with power hammers, yourself and black bear forge. I am 74 so I will never make enough money at my age to buy one cheers lads. Tom Scotland
I LOVE that leather apron!! That looks way more comfortable for a newbie like me!! Not who everyone is in this company but I sure will be finding out real soon!! Thanks Again!!
Just bought a set of rapid tongs ,looking forward to getting going learning to forge...gt gt grandad was a Blacksmith and nobody in the family has tried since.....here goes!
Just got my set a bit ago. Making tools is funner than art stuff. You make it easy Ken. Thank you sir! My need and my want was the scroll tongs, the rest are custom bonuses 🤟
My tong blanks just came. Best packing job ever!! Heard about you from John S, at Black Bear Forge. I am a lefty so I think I want to copy this video. Excellent Instruction.
And, for the most important tip of all... don't sweat it if you screw up the shape! It's only steel, it'll be fine, you can heat it up and move it where you want it.
Ordering your rapid tong set next week. Just got my forge a few weeks ago. I'm super excited to get these tongs an put them together for my first project.
Thanks for your support, Nathan! Don't forget to grab our free catalog too, which has a coupon for your next order! Let us know if you have any questions!
Nice video I'm having some difficulty with the off set . Although it is simple I'm missing something as to how far to make the initial blow downwards. I'll keep trying till it comes out correctly. Good product I will be ordering another bundle tomorrow.
Thank you Casey! Glad to hear you're happy with the Wire Brush you purchased from us. Happy smithing! Let us know if there's anything else we can do for you.
I got these for Christmas. I saw a video where the guy pulled out instructions on how to work each set of tongs. Mine didn't come with any instructions. Do they not come with written instructions?
Great video! I'm interested in getting some V tong blanks but can't figure out the difference between rapid and quick tongs, and the link on the site is down. Anyone know?
Thanks for the help I have to know though how do you get that tip so hot and still be able to hold the iron by hand What type of forge are you using my forge heats the whole thing up
Thank you 890mikes! We understand completely that shipping rates are a higher than desired. I personally have spent countless hours into searching for better and cheaper rates, but due to the weight and size of the tongs, it is increasingly difficult to find reasonable shipping rates for our products. I am constantly keeping my eye out for better and cheaper ways to ship our items,but haven’t found anything yet. Please know, though, that if we can ever ship your package for less than you paid for, we ALWAYS refund you the difference. :)
If you have a way to heat only the rivet that will certainly work. But you will probably have to heat the entire joint area anyway so that you can "ease" the joint.
You can rivet your tongs using just your anvil and hammer. The heads will be flattened though. By using a bucking tool and a rivet set you get a nicer looking finished rivet.
I am confused...You are showing at the start a left handed tong..then making a right handed tong or vs versa..not sure now. I bought a set and made my v bit tong using the video and they work great other than bottom rien is on the left side now. So is it a left handed or a right handed tong?
Sorry about the confusion! If you look at the tongs in the opening video, that is what I would call a Right-Handed tong (as I am right-handed and hold the tongs in my left hand). The one I've demonstrated is what I would call a Left-Handed tong, as it would be held in the right hand of a left-handed person. I generally make right-handed tongs for myself, but occasionally my "old-timers" kicks in and I end up making a left-handed pair and after doing this for over 45 years, I don't notice much difference in the use of either type. You will also notice that the reins have an offset in them which places both reins in line with each other making them practical for use in either hand. -Ken
Could you clarify which part of the video you're seeing this tool? I believe you may be referring to a twisting wrench. You can find them on our site here: kensironstore.com/collections/tooling/products/twisting-wrench
I am sorry if the incorrect rivets were sent. Will you please provide me with the order # so I can send the correct rivets. Once again I apologize for the hassle.
@@KjZiturKensCustomIron I reviewed my order from Amazon and I believe I purchased a knock off version of your product even though they came with a video link of Black Bear Forge doing a review of your tongs.
You are absolutely right, Alex! You caught me! If you look at the tongs in the opening video, that is what I would call a Right-Handed tong (as I am right-handed and hold the tongs in my left hand). The one I've demonstrated is what I would call a Left-Handed tong, as it would be held in the right hand of a left-handed person. I generally make right-handed tongs for myself, but occasionally my "old-timers" kicks in and I end up making a left-handed pair and after doing this for over 40 years, I don't notice much difference in the use of either type. Good catch! -Ken
Nice Video, this is the first tong video i have seen.
Thanks Clinton! Be sure to check out the rest of the videos in our channel to see more! Or see them on our website at www.KensIron.com
i stumbled across your channel late one night, and i seen your latest video, which was this one. i am going to give the rest of a watch soon
This is the best video I’ve seen on making tongs from blanks 👍
Thank you for those kind words. Ken's Custom Iron is the original maker of the Quick and Rapid Tongs.
Watcing this in 2023, after watching Black Bear Forge building a set of your slotted jaw tongs. I just received my quick tongs and rapid tong sets yesterday, having ordered them after he recommended them in a video I watched several days back. Talk about out of this world packaging and on time delivery! The tongs were so neatly and compactly bundled that my immediate thought was that I hadn't received my entire order!😂 I was really surprised to see everything I ordered included in such a compact sturdy package. Hats off to whoever did that. WELL DONE! Amazon should consult with your shipping department for instructions on bundling.😂
Thanks again for a pleasant purchase experience!
Edit to add : SUBSCRIBED
my wife got me a set and I am looking forward to getting them together. Thanks!
I hope John@BBF is getting a kickback..lol. I too bought because he suggested you guys as well. Blanks arrived today. I'm new to forging I am looking forward to adding these guys to the one nice pair I made so far. Those forged from 1/2 in...alot of manual hammering for newbie ..lol. Power hammers what a neat idea, dreams this old guys body.
Marylou- besides being overjoyed with your products,, the last two orders I ordered in the middle of week and they were on. My door step Monday morning.
Even your delivery is excellent. Thank you and Ken for outstanding video,s
Thank you Joe for the kind words. We enjoy taking care of our valued customers with great products and service. Glad you enjoy the videos.
I'm helping my young son to explore smithing and appreciate the pointers. Tongs are one of the most basic tools and this will do very well to help get him on his way. Thanks for the very nice step-by-step.
We are very glad to hear the video has been helpful for you and your son, Andrew! You're always welcome to let us know if you come across any questions!
I Envy you lads with power hammers, yourself and black bear forge. I am 74 so I will never make enough money at my age to buy one cheers lads. Tom Scotland
Never say never. Maybe some day. Forge on my friend.
I LOVE that leather apron!! That looks way more comfortable for a newbie like me!!
Not who everyone is in this company but I sure will be finding out real soon!! Thanks Again!!
What an inspiring and remarkable teacher you are. Excellent video.
Thank you for the kind words. I enjoy sharing my techniques as taught to me years ago by some very good blacksmiths.
Just got a variety pack set for my birthday. Can't wait to make them, your videos will be most helpful.
Just bought a set of rapid tongs ,looking forward to getting going learning to forge...gt gt grandad was a Blacksmith and nobody in the family has tried since.....here goes!
Good luck. It is alot of fun.
@@KjZiturKensCustomIron Thanks. So I’m finding out. Just made my first basic Hardy Hole tools this week……shame work gets in the way!
Great video! I'm just starting to learn blacksmithing and videos like this are so valuable. Thank you for sharing
Always great info! I'm building a trash I beam anvil, I will certainly at some point offer my vid!
Awesome shop Id like to see a shop tour, amazing full hammer rack
I think I may have a complete set of Ken's tongs, just finished my railroad spike tongs. Great product from a family business!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this video I am very glad to have got to see you I hope to hon up with you more I will explain my stuff later to you
Just got my tongs in the mail today cant wait to shape them up tomorrow ... thanks guys
We are so glad to hear everything arrived safely! We'd love to know how they work for you. Happy forging!
Thank u . just baught some . any on the rest of them . i got a set
Really excited I found your channel. Really like your style of instruction.
Thank you very much!
Just got my set a bit ago. Making tools is funner than art stuff. You make it easy Ken. Thank you sir! My need and my want was the scroll tongs, the rest are custom bonuses 🤟
A Big thumbs up on your Video's Ken, I think you come up with some fantastic Ideals especially Your air hammers
Thank you, Joe! We appreciate your feedback! Let us know if there's anything else you'd like to see from us!
Just received my rapid tong set from you guys and I'm impressed already. These were going to be the one I wanted to start with.
I can't wait😎
Let us know how it goes! Happy forging!
My tong blanks just came. Best packing job ever!! Heard about you from John S, at Black Bear Forge.
I am a lefty so I think I want to copy this video. Excellent Instruction.
We appreciate the compliments, Tom! Let us know if there's anything else we can do for you! Happy Forging!
You sure made it look easier than I did. But, I've now got tongs to fit all my stock.
I was always told a guy can never have too many tongs. Check our website. Who knows, maybe there is a style you don't have.
And, for the most important tip of all... don't sweat it if you screw up the shape! It's only steel, it'll be fine, you can heat it up and move it where you want it.
Heard about you guys from black bear forge on TH-cam you guys have a great product.👍
Thank you for your support! We are glad you're here! Let us know if there's anything we can do for you!
Ordering your rapid tong set next week. Just got my forge a few weeks ago. I'm super excited to get these tongs an put them together for my first project.
Thanks for your support, Nathan! Don't forget to grab our free catalog too, which has a coupon for your next order! Let us know if you have any questions!
Nice video
I'm having some difficulty with the off set . Although it is simple I'm missing something as to how far to make the initial blow downwards. I'll keep trying till it comes out correctly.
Good product I will be ordering another bundle tomorrow.
i heard about you guys from black beard forge also. its too bad shipping costs more than the tongs do to canada.
Should someone switch the direction when offsetting for left and right handed smiths?
Yes that is a good idea.
hey Ken love ur vids an products I have one of ur scale brushes and it's amazing thx so much
Thank you Casey! Glad to hear you're happy with the Wire Brush you purchased from us. Happy smithing! Let us know if there's anything else we can do for you.
I got these for Christmas. I saw a video where the guy pulled out instructions on how to work each set of tongs. Mine didn't come with any instructions. Do they not come with written instructions?
Mine didn't come with them, either.
best tongs for the money others are twice as much. pretty easy to put togeather.
Great video! I'm interested in getting some V tong blanks but can't figure out the difference between rapid and quick tongs, and the link on the site is down. Anyone know?
I think I asked someplace else, but but these tongs are similar looking to Poz tongs. Do you plan on making Poz tong bkanks?
Thanks for the help I have to know though how do you get that tip so hot and still be able to hold the iron by hand What type of forge are you using my forge heats the whole thing up
I use an induction heater!
Do you offset the tongs with the exact same stoked on both sides?
Yes, both halves are the same.
Love your blanks. Too bad delivery costs more than they do.
Thank you 890mikes! We understand completely that shipping rates are a higher than desired. I personally have spent countless hours into searching for better and cheaper rates, but due to the weight and size of the tongs, it is increasingly difficult to find reasonable shipping rates for our products. I am constantly keeping my eye out for better and cheaper ways to ship our items,but haven’t found anything yet. Please know, though, that if we can ever ship your package for less than you paid for, we ALWAYS refund you the difference. :)
Is it a bad idea to only heat the rivit?
If you have a way to heat only the rivet that will certainly work. But you will probably have to heat the entire joint area anyway so that you can "ease" the joint.
@@KjZiturKensCustomIron I was JUST telling myself that in my head!
Thanks for your time and quick response.
What type of power hammer where u using in the video?
James Boyer
Blacksmith
I am using our MZ75 Power Hammer
Twisting wrench.
What can I use it I don't have a rivet set?
You can rivet your tongs using just your anvil and hammer. The heads will be flattened though. By using a bucking tool and a rivet set you get a nicer looking finished rivet.
I am confused...You are showing at the start a left handed tong..then making a right handed tong or vs versa..not sure now. I bought a set and made my v bit tong using the video and they work great other than bottom rien is on the left side now. So is it a left handed or a right handed tong?
Sorry about the confusion! If you look at the tongs in the opening video, that is what I would call a Right-Handed tong (as I am right-handed and hold the tongs in my left hand). The one I've demonstrated is what I would call a Left-Handed tong, as it would be held in the right hand of a left-handed person. I generally make right-handed tongs for myself, but occasionally my "old-timers" kicks in and I end up making a left-handed pair and after doing this for over 45 years, I don't notice much difference in the use of either type. You will also notice that the reins have an offset in them which places both reins in line with each other making them practical for use in either hand.
-Ken
Awesome tongs. Love the design. That anvil is too loud for good instructional video though. You may want to deaden the ring while making videos.
Thank you!
are the blanks flame cut?
Hi John! Our blanks are cut out on our CNC Plasma Table.
What are those straightening things you use called please?
Could you clarify which part of the video you're seeing this tool? I believe you may be referring to a twisting wrench. You can find them on our site here: kensironstore.com/collections/tooling/products/twisting-wrench
Yeah the twisting wrench.
The ones on that site look different to the one's in the video
I ordered a set of your DIY Rapid tongs. The rivets are not 1/4". They're 3/16" and aren't long enough to go through both tong sides.
I am sorry if the incorrect rivets were sent. Will you please provide me with the order # so I can send the correct rivets. Once again I apologize for the hassle.
@@KjZiturKensCustomIron Ordered off Amazon. Order number is as follows:
113-3404423-1268211
@@KjZiturKensCustomIron and it is the 5 pair set of Rapid Tongs.
@@KjZiturKensCustomIron I reviewed my order from Amazon and I believe I purchased a knock off version of your product even though they came with a video link of Black Bear Forge doing a review of your tongs.
GR8 tutorial but the V-bit tongues you just made are ( R H hold ) or do you not subscribe to that theory THE DON WEST OZ
You are absolutely right, Alex! You caught me! If you look at the tongs in the opening video, that is what I would call a Right-Handed tong (as I am right-handed and hold the tongs in my left hand). The one I've demonstrated is what I would call a Left-Handed tong, as it would be held in the right hand of a left-handed person. I generally make right-handed tongs for myself, but occasionally my "old-timers" kicks in and I end up making a left-handed pair and after doing this for over 40 years, I don't notice much difference in the use of either type. Good catch!
-Ken
Oh sorry, the twisting tool is at 9:29 in the video.
9:25-9:29