Hey! So, if you're thinking about the BetterForge 17" Z-Type Offset Blacksmith Tongs for knife making, they seem to be a pretty solid option. From what we've found, these tongs are quite popular among folks who do blacksmithing and knife making thanks to their versatility and sturdiness.

One of the standout features is the design. The offset, V-bit jaws really help with gripping different shapes of material—like flat, square, or round stock. The manufacturer mentions, and our research backs this up, that the design ensures the rivet joint doesn't mess with your work, which is super handy when you're focused on being precise with knives.

Just a heads up, though—these tongs typically handle stock up to about an inch thick. So, if you often work with stuff outside that range, you might need to heat them up and tweak the jaws a bit to fit different sizes. It's something to keep in mind if your projects vary in size.

On the comfort side of things, a lot of people we found mention liking their solid build and ergonomic design. They're good for holding onto hot metals securely, which is key for precision work. Plus, the offset design helps you see your work better, and it reduces hand strain, which is a win during long sessions.

That said, some folks pointed out that the fixed jaw design might be limiting if you need to adjust the width a lot. In that case, you might consider tongs with adjustable jaws or think about modifying these to suit your needs better.

All in all, the BetterForge 17" tongs seem like a reliable choice if you're into blacksmithing and knife making. They're built to handle a lot of heat and hard work, and with some adjustments, they could be a great tool to have.

The BetterForge 17" Z-Type Offset Blacksmith Tongs are pretty handy for a range of blacksmithing projects like knife making. They have a V-bit jaw design that, as the manufacturer describes, helps them hold different stock shapes and sizes.

However, you might need to tweak them a bit if you're after a perfect fit for a specific size.

Our research suggests that straight out of the box, they might not match every stock size exactly, but you can adjust them by heating and reshaping the jaws to fit your needs. For instance, someone mentioned they adjusted their pair to work well with a 1.5-inch wide billet.

They're made from forged steel, so they're tough and durable, which is great if you're often working with heavy-duty tasks. That said, some folks might find them a bit on the heavier side, especially if you're new to these kinds of tools.

If you're into blacksmithing, and especially knife making, the ability to mold these tongs to fit your specific stock size can be really useful. Just keep in mind that you might need to spend a little time getting them right for your regular projects.

So overall, while you might need to make a few adjustments, these tongs offer solid grip and durability, making them a reliable choice if you're willing to customize them to fit your blacksmithing needs.

Adjusting the BetterForge 17" Z-Type Offset Blacksmith Tongs is a bit of an art, especially when you're handling different stock sizes. These tongs are really handy for blacksmithing, particularly if you're into knife making. They have an offset design that's pretty neat for precision work since it keeps your hands safely away from the heat while giving you a better view of whatever you're forging.

Now, they're made from forged steel, so they're tough and can take the heat a blacksmithing session demands. The V-bit style jaws add some versatility, holding various shapes securely. However, our research suggests that if the stock size doesn't match perfectly, you might need to adjust the tongs a little. Some folks have suggested heating and reshaping them slightly to fit different sizes better.

The 17-inch length makes for a comfortable balance between weight and leverage, which is nice if you're planning on using them for extended periods. The ergonomic design has been praised for offering a comfy grip without much strain.

In summary, while the tongs might require a bit of tweaking to manage different stock sizes, they’re well-regarded for their durability and functionality. If you're okay with the occasional adjustment, they're a solid tool for precision tasks in blacksmithing.