Putting Tai Goo's "Bush Buddy" to the test

Alrighty then - Got up early this AM before the heat hit and chopped up all those branches I mentioned.

There's something cool about being out in front of my house chopping up a storm with the Bush Buddy while moms walk by with their babies in stollers wishing their husbands were as manly as me, old couples doing the "walk to live" routine and wispering to eachother, "Look at that guy go!" ETC.

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Though it was a small task for the Bush Buddy it was a fairly severe test of Tai's edge. Some of the wood was very hard and every chop not only impacted the branch but also the board underneath (not sure of the board's wood type but it's a dense heavy wood and you can see that the blade made only shallow cuts in it). I believe this 'test' of the edge is significantly harder than the usual 2X4 chop test (unless one chops through knots in the 2X4).

Inspection of the edge revealed no changes at all. I'm sure the edge will eventually need attention but so far it has held up beautifully.

Gotta remember to wear gloves when using the Bush Buddy (or any chopping tool) because today I got a blister from the chopping. Think I'll come back and post again when it becomes apparent that the blade edge needs to be put back into shape. Glad folks have enjoyed this little review! Thank you.
 
Buddy, I used my Bush Buddy until it wouldn't shave anymore, same temper as yours. Anyway, all I did was strop it a little, first with a course compound then a fine compound and it came back to shaving sharp with just a minute on each grit. The strops are great for maintaining the edge. Even a little razor paddle strop should do.
 
I use a paddle strop like those pictured above on all my knives. I move the paddle across the blade rather than the blade across the paddle. That way, i can actually watch a burr come off with the least amount of pressure required, which removes all the chances of over stropping that you commonly hear about. Good to see a big knife get used! Too many seen here appear to be trapped souls under glass.
 
Great knife ! They are used in hikots all over Asia in different shapes. I have seen them in Cambodia, Laos and Tailand. I gave a smith some steel to make planting tools in Cambodia in 1963 . He graced me with two rugged pieces for a complete leaf from a deuce and a half.
A few years ago I got interested in Tai Goo and his style of blades. I am not sure how many bush knives I have but they sure cry out to be used. I have never been dissapointed with any of the blades he has done for me.
He also delivers on time and is very much into his business and customers.

Be well
Floyd
 
Great review, nice blade too!!! Reminds me of the pinahigs forged by the Igorot in Philippines. I love that handle wrap....
 
Thanks for the great write up and photos. Tai Goo, that is an awesome blade!

Win
 
What a great review and pics! I hope to be lucky enough to own one of Tai's knives one day.
 
Great review ! Not only is that a great looking Blade , that is a great looking package ! That sheath is a work of art :thumbup: Fits the style of the Blade perfect
 
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