There is disclosed a system and methods for safely and securely gripping osseous-based tissue during allograft processing. One embodiment includes a first forceps half pivotally coupled to a second forceps half, where the first and the second forceps halves combine to form a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion may define a first longitudinal axis, and the head portion may define a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis at a varying head angle. The first and the second halves move between an open position in which the first and second forceps halves at the head portion are separated and a closed position in which the first and second forceps halves at the head portion are together. The forceps may also include an open-biasing spring element attached between the first and second forceps halves and a selective locking mechanism. Other embodiments are also disclosed.