The Artist
I began my metalsmithing career in 1978. I studied jewelry making and blacksmithing as an undergraduate in college and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Arizona State University in 1980. I went on the earn my Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 1994. I have specialized in many types of knives including art knives, utility knives, edged fetishes, fantasy knives, neo-tribal knives, western frontier knives, blacksmith knives and bush knives.
My current shop is a very basic set up. I rely primarily on hand hammers and simple hand tools. I pride myself in forging blades very closely to shape. I make every effort to assure excellence in geometry and heat treating on each knife I create. The emphasis of my work is on innovation, concept, design, technique, and original hand craftsmanship. I also offer lessons and instruction for knifemaking and metalsmithing at my shop, in the beautiful Sonoran desert, just outside Tucson Arizona.
Tai is one of the true artists in this craft. His work is constantly evolving and changing. Creator of the Neo-Tribal metalsmiting movement, he has stimulated a revival of interest in hand made knives.
Tai delivered when he said he would! Friends, in my experience Tai is the first and only bladesmith to actually do what was promised. That’s huge in my book!
Tai Goo. Eccentric genius.
I have a knife made by Tai Goo in W2 – The simplest of steel in the simplest of HT outperforming high tech.