A Tradesman’s Life

This past week the world was treated to the reflections of Scott Wadsworth, he of the Essential Craftsman YouTube vlog. In “A Tradesman’s Life: Reflections at 65”, Scott talks not only on a lifetime spent in the trades, but also on dimensions of life that enable a deeper, more lasting joy in our existence. 

Scott’s “Essential Craftsman” vlog, started in 2016, has over 1 million subscribers and is closing on 200 million views. Although the content of what he talks about - tools, blacksmithing, construction, shop productivity and the like - is interesting to me, how he does it is what really makes it crackle. Rarely have I seen circumstances where I can point to something and say, “that guy really knows what he’s talking about, and he’s using his knowledge in a way to build others, demonstrate grace, and celebrate what he and others in his craft are doing as part of God’s creation”. It’s worth seeing how his search for the ideal frame setter’s hammer uncovered the incredible talents of a 19-year old Kentucky blacksmith who has been forging since he was 11. (“The Hammer I Invented”)

Towards the end of the interview, Scott reflects on the wonderful Gustav Mahler quote that “tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” Great stuff - enjoy!