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Thread: Results of my class with Tai Goo

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  1. #1
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    Results of my class with Tai Goo

    In addition to being a manufacturing engineer that loves spending time with guns, motorcycles (Shovelheads in particular), Porsches, and my family (of course), I'm a very amateur bladesmith. I recently took a week of lessons with Tai Goo, a Tucson master metalsmith who makes some of the coolest knives ever seen in the western hemisphere (IMHO). I thought I might show you what came out of those lessons.

    I've included all the pics I have of the process. Some unfortunately were taken on my cellphone cam, and thus aren't of the highest quality (not that any of my pictures are ever of very high quality).

    Tai's 40-buck forge--a dead grill, some ash, a Harbor Freight weed burner, a Satanite-and-Inswool-lined coffee can, some propane, and a few fire bricks:
    http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4679/forgedg2.jpg

    The "banana"--the blade blank gets a curve forged into it so when the edge is drawn down the resulting shape is relatively straight:
    http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2830/bananack7.jpg

    Tai showing me how to get those bevels set:
    http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/2549/bevelslq2.jpg

    After the first round of forging and descaling:
    http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/2402/img26392lc2.jpg

    Low-temp finishing forging to help refine grain size and reduce the amount of filing needed later. Note the top chimney spouting flames; that held a wood splint or 2 for reducing scale buildup during these quick heats:
    http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6...ngheatsts1.jpg

    After finish forging, some drawfiling, and heat treating:
    http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7796/img2653wq5.jpg

    After LOTS and LOTS of filing and sanding, sharpening, edge and flex testing, etching to bring out the quench line, and fitting of the walnut block selected for the handle:
    http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4...rogressre9.jpg

    And after my amateurish copper work, wrapping, and sharpening:

    http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3348/leftym8.jpg
    http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/1918/rightso9.jpg

    Please remember that this was all done with hand tools, time, insufficient patience, and a bit of beer. Tai also had nothing to do with any of the work after the handle was roughed out -- so don't blame him. I'm tickled by the 'pigtail' I came up with for the butt. I also kind of like the integral ferrule/habaki thing, hammer marks and all. She balances nicely as a chopper, but is still thin enough to do some good slicing and pointy enough for a fighter.

    Tai and I both beat on the finished blade a bit before doing the etching etc. We chopped partway through a 2x6 and did some flex testing that was pretty satisfying. It was still shaving sharp afterwards. To top it off I accidentally dropped the knife onto my cement garage floor and only bent the tip a tiny bit--it sharpened right out.

    After recovering from next week's shoulder surgery, I'll be setting up my own forge to get some serious hammer time in. I'm looking forward to the therapy.

    Comments, questions, suggestions, all appreciated. If you want to see some more of Tai's art, he's at www.taigooknives.com. His work is a huge inspiration to me.

  2. #2
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    Where do you find the time for all your hobbies?

    Nice job on the blade.

    What Porsche do you have? I'm running a Boxster S until I can spring for a 930, someday ;-)
    All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing - Edmund Burke

  3. #3
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    My wife asks me that question, frequently. She also asks me where I get the money for all of my hobbies.

    I have a 1981 911SC Targa. Some day I too will own a 930.

  4. #4
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    Very neat blade design.
    "The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

  5. #5
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    That's cool! There's a local blacksmith around here that will teach people how to make their own knife. I need to hook up with him sometime when I have time. Good luck with the shoulder surgery. Had both my rotator cuffs done (full blown, not orthoscopic) so I feel your pain. Someday I hope to have a 911S. Shovel Heads rule!

  6. #6
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    Thanks for sharing the photos! I am interested in doing some knifemaking myself. Great ideas for the budget forge and a great looking knife you have made yourself! Good luck on the surgery - I keep putting it off... Regards, David

    Wow! I just looked at the link and he is in Tucson! Great!
    Last edited by handydave; 3rd September 2008 at 20:57.


  7. #7
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    Oh, hey, I forgot I had even posted this!

    My shoulder surgeries worked out GREAT and I'm nearly 100% (prior I was in the 65-75% range...ouch).

    I'm hoping to get back down to Tai's in a month or two for more lessons. I especially want to wait until it cools down a little more here! Once the temps start dropping I have some big plans...

    Dave, if you give Tai a call tell him Aaron in Chandler sent you. He's a GREAT teacher, and will tailor lessons to whatever way you want to do things.
    Last edited by BlueSkyJaunte; 4th September 2008 at 00:02.


  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte
    My shoulder surgeries worked out GREAT and I'm nearly 100% (prior I was in the 65-75% range...ouch).
    That's very good to hear Aaron , rotator cuff tears can cause significant disability and pretty bad chronic pain later in life . I'm glad your shoulder surgeries were so successful .
    Focus on the positive while dealing positively with the negative.
    Hawkmoon - 19th August 2008

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte
    I have a 1981 911SC Targa. Some day I too will own a 930.
    Me too, but it won't be until I am really old. Too many bills to pay right now. I guess at that time, I won't be needing a 930, or even be able to drive it, but anyway.
    John Caradimas SV1CEC
    The M1911 Pistols Organization
    http://www.m1911.org

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