- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
First lets take a look:
Tai Goo is not a member of this forum, nor is he a very familiar name in the larger custom knifeworld. Nonetheless, his work is highly acclaimed from makers, collectors and notables in this industry. His workmanship and forging work is the experience of over twenty years of dedicated bladesmithing. Tai will openly smile when asked why he is not a member of the ABS:
This is a perfect example of the out-of-the-box thinking and unsurpassed workmanship that this talented maker can produce. I contacted Tai a few months ago and we discussed a blade style that was famliar and classic to him. I offered a few things of what I was looking for, but overall, I left the particulars to him. "Just make something YOU like and let's post progress as you build it. Do what you wish, but have fun and be inspired with it." The entire project was chronicled over on the CKD 'Outpost' forum over the course of a couple months.
Tai describes the blade:
Somewhere along the course, we came up with the presentation over-the-shoulder wooden scabbard and its design needs:
I wanted something exposing the beautiful blade and shape as a presentation to be able to be hung, but still holding some function as a sheath, to keep it plausible.
Tai figured out that a swing-over bridge would be needed to avoid scarring going in and out. Covering it with leather on the inside was ruled out because of leather's natural ability to retain moisture and acids that might have corrupted the blade in the long run.
Even the braided strap was handmade for this knife by Tai.
For a look at the process from blade throught the fabrication process, look in my album, where there are many photos and captions covering the build: http://www.fototime.com/inv/A37B7C594270E77
Working with Tai is productive and personal and most enjoyable--as well as you would want from such a pro. From his spot-on time assessment, to the creativity and finished work. Each time I look over this piece, it takes my breath away. WOW!! This knife will hold a special value to my overall collection of fine work. Hope you enjoyed this too.
Coop
Tai Goo is not a member of this forum, nor is he a very familiar name in the larger custom knifeworld. Nonetheless, his work is highly acclaimed from makers, collectors and notables in this industry. His workmanship and forging work is the experience of over twenty years of dedicated bladesmithing. Tai will openly smile when asked why he is not a member of the ABS:
That said, he and others who also pioneered the Neo-Tribal Movement (NTM) are fully capable, but decidedly absent from the roll-call.
This is a perfect example of the out-of-the-box thinking and unsurpassed workmanship that this talented maker can produce. I contacted Tai a few months ago and we discussed a blade style that was famliar and classic to him. I offered a few things of what I was looking for, but overall, I left the particulars to him. "Just make something YOU like and let's post progress as you build it. Do what you wish, but have fun and be inspired with it." The entire project was chronicled over on the CKD 'Outpost' forum over the course of a couple months.
Tai describes the blade:
The OAL is 15" (17" including the scabbard!) Tai fabricated all of the silverwork in the ferrule and buttcap. Lots of soldering and twisting and filing. The hand-carved handle is osage with the noted growth rings showing throughout.
Somewhere along the course, we came up with the presentation over-the-shoulder wooden scabbard and its design needs:
I wanted something exposing the beautiful blade and shape as a presentation to be able to be hung, but still holding some function as a sheath, to keep it plausible.
Tai figured out that a swing-over bridge would be needed to avoid scarring going in and out. Covering it with leather on the inside was ruled out because of leather's natural ability to retain moisture and acids that might have corrupted the blade in the long run.
Even the braided strap was handmade for this knife by Tai.
For a look at the process from blade throught the fabrication process, look in my album, where there are many photos and captions covering the build: http://www.fototime.com/inv/A37B7C594270E77
Working with Tai is productive and personal and most enjoyable--as well as you would want from such a pro. From his spot-on time assessment, to the creativity and finished work. Each time I look over this piece, it takes my breath away. WOW!! This knife will hold a special value to my overall collection of fine work. Hope you enjoyed this too.
Coop
