...almost sounds like a topic for the cooking network. However these will be more suited to forging condiments.

tongs:
help needed on best most universal pair? one pair for starters and wallet ease.

I have been forging using flat faced channel locks, however tonight when I turned the flat steel on it's side and started working it perpendicular to the "anvil" (just an old steel billet for me) my work piece became a twirling ninja-like projectile. Not only setting the dry grass around me a-blaze, but also again landing in my lap hot potato extreme style. I wear heavy canvas pants and a measly cloth shop apron....which brings me to the next topic:

apron:
how many out there forge with a leather or split hide apron?

many thanks !

Rowe's Leather apron.

1/2 inch wolf jaw tongs from Riverside Machine Shop.

These are uggestions to get you started.

Thank you Lin !

I will be looking at them.