Tai Goo - Bamboo EDC

HTMD

HTMD

Joined
Feb 15, 2002
Messages
1,705
Tai's edged creations have captivated me for more than ten years. In that time I've acquired numerous examples spanning 25+ years of notable work fueled by his artistic and creative genius. Watching Tai forge steel is like watching a graceful animal lope effortlessly through mixed terrain. He is also a gifted and easy-going teacher. Spending a day with Tai at his forge in the dessert is a wonderful learning experience - something I've done several times (once with one of my sons). So, what am I going on about... simply put, Tai Goo is a bonafide master of his craft.

After all that, here is a modest knife - elegantly simple and useful. I snagged it off his web-site during a random occurrence of lucky good fortune.
Knife is 5 3/4 in. OAL, and blade is 2 1/2 in. The bamboo tube with cork is 7 3/4 in. OAL. A very cool little rig.

orig.jpg
 
Looks like a great little slicer. I like the bamboo handles, have thought of using it before. How does it hold up in your opinion.
 
what is that plug made from?
looks convenient. Wasn't it made with fishing in mind?

Tai provokes strong emotions, but he is truly a talented artist.
good for you!
kc
 
I've long enjoyed Tai's creative mind, and the ability to fabricate his visions with such a high level of skill and styling. That's a pretty cool piece of work!

Does the bamboo tube serve as a "sheath" for the knives?

-Peter
 
Sorry I didn't make this clear. The bamboo tube with cork is the 'sheath' for the one knife, both sides of which are shown in my composite image.
Regarding how well the bamboo holds up over time, I can't say, but it's very tough and fibrous. We had a bamboo cutting board that we couldn't wear out and it was very hard on knife edges. Finally had to get rid of it. So bamboo is good for some things and not for others. My wife mentioned that she's even seen bamboo flooring.
Tai made a similar 'floaty' version of this basic design. Mine, however, would probably be 'water resistant' (not water proof) and would likely float for a good while before water made it's way into where the blade is stored. The cork fits snugly and conforms to slight irregularities of the inner wall of the bamboo tube for a very good, if not water-tight, seal. Regardless, the knife is well protected and out of sight. I should also mention that the fittings are bronze and the 'S' hook is music wire (not sure what this is).
 
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I have great respect for Tai's work. I have been to his site many times to study the curves of his blades. He is a master no doubt.
 
Buddy,thanks again for a wonderful picture. Tai is a Master Artist and i personally have never handled a sharper knife than Tai's 1095 blades. Hope to see ya next time you are in Tucson amigo. Kevin
 
Very nice snag Buddy.Music wire is thin, hardened wire that is usually made from something like 1095 and has a spring temper to it,and it is also sometimes called piano wire.
 
John M Cohea said:
...and it is also sometimes called piano wire.
Click to expand...
Thanks John, I was wondering about 'piano wire.' My wife thought it could be like the steel thumb notes mounted on boxes.
Makes sense about the 'spring temper.' That's probably the main ingredient in both music and piano wire.
Of course, what do I know. I'll get the lowdown from Tai if he doesn't see this thread.

Actually, I bet I know what it is. Kevin, remember Tai's steel tub single string bass? Hey, I got a picture of it.
That's Tai on the L. He's wearing a glove. Must be a steel 'string' - am I right? Ha. Probably not.
PS: Look at that giant Saguaro cactus tree in the background. Cool.
orig.jpg
 
I like it, Buddy.
Tai was a very polarizing figure.

Doug
 
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Buddy, I have long admired Tai's work! I have picked up some little tidbits of precious information along the way from him and am more than a little envious of you for owning such a piece from him!

Just simply a wonderful piece.


-Xander
 
very cool. I'm always wanting to use bamboo in my work but haven't figured out an elegant way. That's it! Love the pommel cap...
 
I really like that, simple and very elegant at the same time the whole package has a lot of character. Beautiful.

All the best.

Steve.
 
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