Corey If you want to see HOW tongs are forged try You Tube on your computer. Just enter "How to forge Tongs" and there is a WORLD of video to start you on your way. The only problem is TOO MUCH information. You will have to weed through the differing methods and pick out what suits you.
As to the steel used, some mentioned items are awfully tough to forge, I think that mild steel is good enough if you leave plenty of DEPTH in the reins right behind the flat part where the rivet is placed. It forges easier. If you have a power hammer to do the hard work use a higher carbon steel. That's my 2 cents worth.