heating in a verticle forge?

[DoubleLung]

Question for all of those that use a verticle forge. Do you hold the steel you're heating with tongs until its to the heat you want? I can see that if it was a horizontal foge you could set the knife on the bottom of the forge but am I right in thinking that you'd have to hold the steel the entire time on a verticle forge?

Also, I built a nice forge and have gotten everything pretty much ready to start heat treating my own knives only problem is I never thought about tongs   :eek:  

Are these tought to make? Can you buy them?

Thanks,
Tim

[kbaknife]

I have had Glen Stollmeyer make a bunch for me.
 http://www.gstongs.com/index.html
As well, Kayne and Son:
 http://www.blacksmithsdepot.com/

[Wampus]

Tongs are essential for some operations but you can weld a 2' piece of rebar or mild steel onto your knife steel for a handle until you're ready to do the tang and heat treat.

[DoubleLung]

Thanks for the information guys.