3 ways to make blacksmith tongs

I hand forge 3 different styles of flat jaw tongs - "Africa", "Viking" and "modern" designs. Open the full video description for more information.
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Here can you see how I made the blacksmith shop • MAKING A BLACKSMITH SH...
Here can you see how I made the hammer I use most of the time in the video • Making 2 viking hammer...
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Why the names "Africa", "Viking" and "modern"?
"Africa", "Viking" and "modern" is just me giving them a title. Don't take it to literally - "Africa" is a primitive design you once in a hvile still now a days can se used in Africa and other parts of the world as well. The design goes way back to some of the first ever made tongs, made from wood before the Iron Age. "Viking" was one of the most common blacksmith tong design doing the viking age, but in general is it still now a days a very common tong design used by many. "Modern" is just referring to the tong design massproduced today.
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What is the best tong?
"Africa" is not a great tong to use, but it does work and the main benefit is that it's easy/quick to make and you can adjust the tong to hold a lot of different sizes material.
"Viking" is a great tong and still simple to make. The main downside is that the jaws don't line up all the way and because of that is the jaw offen long "like the example in the video". Rule of thumb is the shorter the jaw the less power you need to make a tong hold the work piece tight.
"Modern" is the ideal tong design in most cases. It is more work to make them, but the big benefit is that the jaw line up all the way and you can use very short jaws. When done right is "modern" a fantastic tong design and very strong - just make sure to forge the jaws and boss area to thick. The shapes of tong jaws you can make from this design is close to endless.
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A few quick questions:
1. Do you sell?
No. Don't sell any thing.
2. What material did you use?
Mild steel. 10x20mm for "viking". 15x15mm for "moden". 6mm and 10mm for "Africa".
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Video gear: Nikon D7000, Nikon 50 1.8, Røde videomacro, iMovie.
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[@user-nv8pq7zr8q]

These are some of the very best "primitive" blacksmithing videos on KZbin. This man is incredibly talented. Why he chose to stop making these types of videos and instead make videos about camping (like a thousand others) is beyond me. Regardless, I treasure these blacksmithing videos and watch them often.

[@ieajackson5518]

Maybe he felt he would enjoy making content he enjoys making. I don’t think that’s so bad.

[@jerbear7952]

Also, way more people are in to camping. I do however wish he put out about 3 of these a day. Not forever, just the next 5 or 6 years should be fine.

[@theojilderts9729]

Mayby time for a new Blacksmith...or go to Blackbear forget more Modern but still very Basic good explained Blacksmith theo Harlingen holland Agree with you about Cobblestone andold Style view very neat...

[@variacenavsiav9945]

True. He is really excellent.

[@jorgeoscarferesin2800]

Best videos... No music, no speak... Only skills and Nature sound... Perfect

[@user-mq1pv3gi7r]

Согласен , так интереснее как вживую

[@mattiaperucchini9305]

Calming sound ❤❤❤

[@hotrodford6422]

@@user-mq1pv3gi7r de

[@user-rj8kv4yd4f]

@@user-mq1pv3gi7r ชๅๅ

[@user-ei9jc5rk7t]

otttttttttttt

[@dominicm6144]

This is the most instructive illustrations in blacksmithing that I've found yet... Thanks for sharing!

[@farrier53]

Good job! It does'nt need to be more complicated than that. I have 100year old+ tongs that I use regularly , they are made in the same fashion. 👍

[@RoscoPColetraneIII]

You make it look so easy, and I know it isn't easy. Thank you for making these videos. It's usually a thankless endeavor. Your videos have helped me with clarifying many basics, and how to apply them best. I look forward to watching and learning more from your videos.

[@ieajackson5518]

I don’t have much experience, but I will say from what I tried it was pretty intuitive, at least for me. Of course more complicated things will be harder, but it felt very achievable to learn.

[@Angelo-tc8wz]

The fact that I learn something new every time I watch your videos again makes your work unique.

[@SivaKumar-bx3fn]

Making Tongs is very simple methods for smithy works. Thank you for your superb advice.

[@matthewdrehobl2835]

Not only did the Vikings discover the new world, but they also invented snap-on. Wow you learn something new every day!

[@harleyfee364]

That is so friggin cool! When i first decided I wanted to start forging, I made a list of everything I would need. Hammers, anvils, sander, forge, the lost goes on. Almost discouraged me. The more I researched, the more I found I could MAKE most of the tools I needed, including all the different tongs id need. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, this makes me want to start even sooner.

[@juanmarti3011]

Harley Fee caballosdetirro

[@romanlozenko]

Вот это - ДА! Потрясающе! Непринужденно и просто но с большим мастерством! Браво! Спасибо Мастер!

[@titidgugtiggagicaru4937]

P

[@andi2234]

Rune You make a difficult project look easy. Your teacher(s) were amazing!

[@eheeej]

The crafstmanship of this man is on another level. Kudos my friend, amazing work.

[@s10m0t10n]

You have a real gift for showing all the steps in any process you undertake, and you manage it without the barriers of language. I echo what so many others have said - your videos are thoughtfully made and edited, so need no words. Please keep up the great work.

[@darrinmoneer8518]

I could watch you all day Rune! Oh thats wright I have THANK YOU

[@greggdavidtaylor9290]

i am stunned and captivated at how good the skills in blacksmithery you have ,totally amazing to watch ,all done with just a few simple hand tools !!!

[@farrier53]

Blacksmithing, not blacksmithery...😁👍

[@charruauno386]

Thank you for sharing, your work is exactly as my Grandfader thought me, thank you for bringing me the good memories. Have a nice day.

[@dim4ka74]

Профессионал с умелыми руками.Пару-тройку ударов и деталь выведена в свою конфигурацию.Очень нравится ваш образ жизни и всё что вы делаете.Смотреть приятно.

[@tonynguyen8212]

I really love the African Tongs: cleverness of the simplicity. So many things came from Africa. I steal the idea, I'll the man of the day on my outdoor blacksmithing hexibitions. Thanks for sharing

[@Miguel_ON65]

Hi Rune! Thanks for your new work. It seems so easy..... Waiting for the next, as usual 👍🏻

[@RonRay]

I love the narration and background music on all his videos.

[@The_True_]

Excellent tong making tutorial! Well done! I definitely learned something here!

[@TheRosahamburgo]

Really interesting. Metal is like clay in your hands. 😍

[@justinwilliams7536]

Awesome video! I love how there’s no talking and you showed every step, even made tongs using the ones you made. Great work!!!

[@davidb8872]

Excellent, you make this look so easy, keep the tool making coming 👍

[@justrione]

I truly appreciate all these videos. Thank you for posting.

[@idahobob173]

Excellent video and even better transition from Africa to Viking to Modern. I especially like your super low-tech setup.

[@tygs6984]

Love your viking forging area! Great videos too look forward to more Blacksmithing videos!

[@EBastler]

Really cool. Never forged before but I'll try it with some tongs next week. Thanks for showing!

[@robertb7088]

Great examples. Seems as though you have reduced everything down to the easiest methods. I'm so impressed.

[@geraldeanquist5103]

Real skilled man

[@geraldeanquist5103]

Nice to see the old skills are still around

[@geraldeanquist5103]

☺

[@Donut.Runner]

Wow, those tongs look awesome. You definitely have many skills. Great video!

[@MrKevinoneill]

Love the simplicity of this video and the Viking tong is my favourite 👍🏻

[@crazycoyote1738]

Great work Bertram, it is therapeutic to watch you working.

[@Barkerr55]

The most amazing thing I saw today. You sir are an inspiration. Hail this man!

[@Ivan-ii1iw]

This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@burlock1258]

Blacksmiths just amaze me I could just watch them for hours

[@jonwilliamson9005]

These recent videos have really inspired me lately!

[@charruauno386]

Thank you for sharing, your work is exactly as my grand fader thought me, thank you. Have a nice day.

[@utmarajankneelameghansunge6944]

Just. Look at his craftmanship amazing, the red hot metal being put to form under his hammer stroke and position

[@BigNugget521]

The thing I like so much is how you are so natural at your work, most American bushcrafters don’t have the timeless serenity that you possess my friend. Keep up the work I mean fun times

[@carlosyamashita562]

Thanks to share your knowlwdge! Very skilfull blacksmith!

[@digglebutt6422]

Thank you so much for this simple blacksmith knowledge. Very nice 👌

[@blakehorton8110]

This is one of the best ways I've seen thus far to make an rivits without an header or any other fancy tool , I have got to try this tonight , whoever this person is kuddos cause this is some awesome work and the forge everything is so authentic , this is what I think we all want to see

[@letsmakeit989]

This man makes better tongs then me, on a stump anvil. You dont need expensive materials to be a good blacksmith

[@lukasdvoracek4283]

All is about skill and resourse

[@vincentm7137]

Right ? :D Im feeling pretty useless now that he forged a pretty good blacksmith tongs sitting in a dirt pit. Respect where respect is due. Videos like these really makes you change perspective on what youre doing and how you´re doing it.

[@monkeykong6230]

Amen

[@sudirmanbulhasan3488]

Trimakasih

[@AB-iv7rv]

@@sudirmanbulhasan3488 sama2

[@BlackFang1243]

Thank you very much for making these blacksmithing videos I enjoyed them a lot and they put a lot of joy in my day please keep making them

[@frankiesemailfd]

Love your set-up bro , so simple yet so effective

[@whilomforge3402]

Those Nordic style tings are beautiful.

[@expatconn7242]

You make it look easy ,. Thanks for the non music so we all can hear the work being done

[@herbertmaucher8367]

Cooles Video Dankeschön wieder was gelernt👍🤘

[@TheScoundrel70]

Very interesting, I really like seeing the different solutions to the same challenge.

[@markv151]

The outdoor forge is working well for you Bertram...Forge On !!

[@erroleabrown4317]

l love your work l swear the calmness of your hammering is old world its beautiful

[@jacksons4044]

True master craftsmanship at it's best thanks for sharing your skills with us Rune

[@stephentimoney6951]

Very impressive workmanship and enjoyable to watch. Thank you

[@SharonAnnMenefee]

Another great video. Keep them coming.

[@oscarescarenojr.5317]

I've seen your videos for a long time now! and the only thing I could say is that every time your videos are getting better and better!!! You are extremely close to perfection! Great excellent job! Man! God bless!✌

[@iamatomic5226]

I have a desire to learn blacksmithing and this guy just hyper amplified it for me! Fn great video!!

[@Crypt1cmyst1c]

great quality video, no obnoxious music or unnecessary speaking. 10/10!

[@ronhart8857]

Excellent job making the three tools!

[@kanyeshdorian5900]

New favorite youtube channel - this is amazing work

[@ricardogimenez7483]

Exellent job Mr Nielsen, congrats from Brazil.

[@fourkings7897]

I think youtube knows what I'm thinking, i need a new tongs and i try to make one myself... Then news feed is how to make blacksmith tongs.... Nice and informative vids.... New sub

[@pakratunloading]

Great work! I enjoy your videos very much and always look forward to viewing them.

[@alexeyvakukh9776]

Спасибо,Руне! Вы молодец!!

[@elifuller4862]

Wow that is awesome. You do such great work with just manual tools.

[@joesmith6199]

You must be very very good- you make it look easy!

[@garrettl9582]

Thanks for having the materials in the description ;) and the history behind each tong

[@mannyjimenez6942]

KROM looks down from his mountain pleased to watch the forging of steel!

[@TheVampireFreddo]

He knows the mystery of Steel

[@variacenavsiav9945]

You are one of the best blacksmith I have ever seen. Not even one unnecesery hit. Pure talent. Watching you forging is a big joy. Thank you.🙂👍👍🍀

[@lilov3111]

Haaa, nice, i'm starting my own little forge and try to minimalize my use of power tools, this will come very handy :)

[@shiellamariebautista8031]

nice video ,no music ,no talk good job watching from philippines

[@bernardopatino6263]

Du har mye talent: i alt du gjør. Art. Takk for at du deler. Hilsen fra Skien.

[@glg3945]

Amazing skills. So awesome to see the process and end product from just a rod of metal. Peace and Good Fortune to you and your family.

[@westpoland1587]

I am as always impressed by your skills. Good job. Greetings!

[@ianmcgougan1173]

This must be the most comfortable way to work. I always get back ache. Great video!

[@InWithBothFeet]

Nice video, saved to my watch later list so I don't lose it. I need to make my first set of tongs.

[@anag5614]

You are a hardworking man, clever, skillful and creative. You pass to us your passion for well-done, paying attention to detail and for knowledge. It is clear you like learning , which is a sign of intelligence and you transmit that happy feeling to us. You are extremely generous to teach us slowing, with patience and as a master. You are the Hephaestus of the metalwork. You are a blessing. Thank you for the beautiful videos and for YOU. You make the world a better place.

[@rajeshingale779]

Ok

[@peterfardell1564]

You Sir are brilliant 👌🏽💪🏼

[@rasecroel2366]

We are lucky to have found this channel.... Love your videos... My 7 year boy and me enjoy them to the bone....

[@TheFierro70]

Very good video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@thohagYT]

thank you for helping me make my first tongs with a water pipe tong! this realy helped me out! thank you. :)

[@flagadorf5045]

love the set up

[@RayFromTheHayclan]

I just found your Channel, I've been going through and watching all of your other videos. Great camera work clearly see what you were doing. I love the Simplicity of your Smithy.

[@TheDrumminjay]

Now this is impressive!! No power tools, just hand tools and manpower!

[@aamerkhazemalabady]

Very good

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Thank You! Beautiful tools! Peace and Joy! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@stanleyjaxen8759]

thanks for sharing. love those stump anvils

[@tabbycat8760]

The african design is very interesting. Thank you Bertram for sharing.

[@Dhiren72]

Brilliant workmanship.

[@20p65s]

Very cool Rune, your videos are always a good watch.

[@trooper2221]

Awesome! I’d love to do that kind of stuff.

[@MohitSinghCivilEngineering]

This is the best blacksmith work.❤❤❤💫💫💫

[@kylehenze8370]

Best how to tong video I've seen yet.

[@gustavofunes9515]

Excelente te felicito por transmitir tu conocimiento saludos desde Argentina.

[@JustinTopp]

That was some very efficient drawing out

[@rhettrainey8152]

Interesting workshop never seen that style before. Nice tongs the first one confused me at first but then it made sense cool design.😀

[@harenderdharra]

2nd tongs is very good . And 1st one is very creative .

[@samstapleton3739]

Man those first set of tongues holy s*** mind blown thank you so much for the information

[@sureshdan]

Great job Neil

[@workingwithiron]

Love your videos dude! My favourite channel!