A Craftsman's Legacy: The Penman

A Craftsman's Legacy: Season 3, Episode 10 - The Penman
Host Eric Gorges meets the celebrated Jake Weidmann, the youngest ever master penman and one of only 12 in the world. Together they make a pen and explore the fascinating world of lettering.
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[@TheMartinBishop]

The combination of his passion and his eloquence make for an incredible interview. Fascinating episode!

[@julzmgrforll7278]

I have been in love with writing all my life! I don't write much anymore but I keep buying pens and ink and nibs when I see one I don't have. This young man is just wonderful!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

How fun! You should get back into it. I've tried to improve my handwriting over the years but find it difficult to "keep with it" Thanks!

[@johnevans4783]

He most certainly is wonderful!

[@johnevans4783]

Don’t give up. Stay creative!

[@ginogina4589]

I used a fountain pen throughout college and came to love the feel of the pen. I wrote my first draft of each chapter of my doctoral dissertation, every word, with a Montblanc 149. Respect.

[@winkprince1875]

Jake is a true Renaissance man. ❤️

[@victorstalick3719]

He is an amazing person. Not only is he talented in pens, but also in carving etc.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

He sure is!

[@saul1629]

I’m glad I found this channel

[@joeguzman3558]

Someone that's alive 100% and enjoying every second of it.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Very true!

[@houtslager]

Another stunning craftsman/artist you found here Eric, and such a humble attitude too. Fantastic to watch his penmanship it his artwork. Please keep these highly enjoyable videos coming. Karl W

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Couldn't agree more!

[@sushantsourav1259]

The interview was so fluid, I enjoyed it Eric, the humbleness and the warmth, the curiosity overflows from the screen to the heart!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you. Very kind to say

[@slowfootlabeef704]

Eric, this is such a great show - and this was one of the best episodes. For me, a real artist inspires one to try as well - even if their level of work is way beyond what you could achieve. You still want to pick up a pen & inkwell and give it a try!

[@johnkutz3207]

I kept waiting for a calligraphy demo but what we got was a long conversation (which was interesting, admittedly) and a lathe lesson. Jake's work is amazingly beautiful, and it would have been nice to see more of the master in action, or at least more samples of his work.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

We did some calligraphy towards the end of the show using the holder we made.

[@alierem4266]

Yepp. Kept ooon waiting. Significance of making a writing instrument is less relevant than what it can prodyce. Afterall, an array of instruments can produce dozens of styles. Regardless, it was a good intro video of the master.

[@johnevans4783]

Certainly I understand your reply. But Jake has rendered lessons or dozens of demonstrations but let me ask you, would you want others to gain the ability to be as good as Jake is should you be in the market? Jake is authentically a unique educational entity. I may sound a man with ego but really to craft your own unique experience out of the wilderness is gift. Jake has only barely reached the pinnacle of fame. He is a very generous and gifted man. A biblical man of faith. An endearing man.

[@moxielouise]

Fantastic episode. He's so impressive.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Jake has so much talent

[@jackdotzman2908]

Don’t know how or why I chose to watch this channel but it is awesome to learn about and see talented people perform their craft. Beautifully done. Thank you. Jack in Missouri

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you, Jack. Very kind to say.

[@northerniltree]

This man inspires me to go beyond writing in chicken scratch and speaking in gibberish. Thanks, Jake!

[@feiwong70]

What an inspiring channel! Yet another excellent episode. Thank you.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you!

[@chaseferrellmusic]

When I discovered Jake and his incredibly beautiful work many years ago I always said, at some point in my life, I would purchase one of his handmade holders. Seeing the process and his patience for teaching the technique was beautiful. But I was a tad jealous that Eric received his very own holder based on his exactly hold position. I would absolutely LOVE that and it would be a piece of art I would always cherish. I know this is an older video but thank you for this interview. It was extremely enjoyable 😊

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Hi Chase, It was an honor to learn a little from Jake and also make a holder with him. I do cherish and occasionally use the holder, although my writing is poor! Thank you for the kind words!

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

Excellent episode that just had me sitting here with a big smile all the way through. I've turned 100+ pens over the last couple years using the same tools and techniques, but Jake's level of passion just shows through beautifully in the final product.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

That is awesome! Jake is super talented for sure. It was great to learn from him.

[@charliebowen5071]

He doesn’t turn pens... it’s calligraphy

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

@@charliebowen5071 Yep, I'm well aware of that. They also turn a pen around the 16 minute mark.

[@rosemarieschleupen747]

I have one of Jake's prints. I absolutely love it. So blessed to have it hanging in my home.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Very cool!! Enjoy

[@chrys77cross]

Which print do you have? I would love to start a gallery of his prints...

[@slowfootlabeef704]

If I had gotten a letter from Jake in high-school, I'd have scooped him up with both arms and dashed to the nearest stationary store!

[@wyntersynergyundignified]

I stumbled upon this channel today, and I’m just completely mesmerized by everything I’ve seen so far! I’m so glad that you guys have chosen to and been able to post some of the full episodes here for those of us who don’t have “regular” TV. I consider myself a jack of all trades, and all of this really just inspires me to keep pursuing everything that comes across my path. Thank you!!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you! How kind of you to say.

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

It would be super to have a sample of Jake's mother's handwriting as a witnessing tool that has led to his inspiration.

[@bigboper111]

so inspiring dude so glad i found your channel Eric thank you man

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you, Robert!

[@ah4760]

WON-DER-FUL! I recently received my starter kit from Jake. This interview was very enlightening, answered a lot of questions. Your beginner strokes look like mine; I’m off to a good start. Thank you.

[@npcarey]

Wonderful episode Eric! A real joy to both hear about and see Jake's work. Tho' 'work' doesn't seem to really fit, his creations are amazing.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

No doubt about that! Jake is crazy talented! Thank you

[@chrys77cross]

You sir are the Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs except highlighting craftsmen and craftsmanship...love it. More please!

[@Lamujervioleta]

Amazing video, you are so nice and what a treat to get a Jake's pen. Wow. Great video.

[@kevinspafford1334]

This was an awesome episode.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

I agree! Thank you

[@themountainraven]

He seems like a very down to earth guy, who when he puts his mind to it, becomes very good at it,meaning just about everything. Haha.. Good with the manual dexterity, plus having an artistic and forming ability/vision. My own basic handwriting is considered good...by today's standard (which is not saying much) but compared to the gracefully mastered strokes that Jake has....I truly feel like a beginner.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Well said! Jake is very talented.

[@elijahflynt3217]

This is frickin unbelievable.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you!

[@DiscipleshipSam]

I take great joy to see the fluctuations of joy and stoic repose that each have in the midst of speaking about their love for craft and work.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Well written. Could not have said it better myself.

[@NelsonMendez-tv6ip]

I love writing....and I am from Guatemala.....nice video bless you

[@dal2888859]

Man I can't tell you how much I enjoy your videos! You are very much underwatched on YT bro! Love everything from the score to the subjects to your demeanor and interviewing style. Very, very down-home comfort. Just the way a craft show should be. Thanks for the heart and time you put into these segments. Can't wait to check out the whole series. Happy New Year and God Bless!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

I really appreciate this, Thank You.

[@bonnienichalson5151]

Very informative:) enchanting, Thank you for your effort in creating these episodes :) I love beautiful Pens :) wonderful educationly thank you for sharing your love of craft work an to people who create Beauty :)

[@jonhighsmith803]

Just found your Channel and already a huge fan, looking forward to more Craftsman skills in all genres. Very impressed!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you very much!

[@GregsGarage]

Awesome episode!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thanks man!

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

That's A BEAUTIFUL Pen Eric. Do you still practice ? Excellent episode.🇺🇸😎

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you. I do occasionally but not super often.

[@droberts73543]

Oh my God that was so great and I had teachers that wasn't so much into it and would discourage such writing because they were unfamiliar with it and I am so glad to see it preformed with such grace and elegants thank you for bring this art and craftsmanship to us

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Happy to hear you enjoyed this episode.

[@Jesstryfox]

My goodness, I need one of those pen holders. Absolutely beautiful 💕

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

I'm pretty sure Jake sells them on his site.

[@meridius-]

It's been a few years since this, but I liked this episode 👍👍

[@RobRobertson1000]

thank you Eric - totally inspiring channel!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@dianaobrown6691]

Jake...That Nib!!! Just wonderful. Thank YOU for this fabulous interview. You two are hope for our future XO

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you! Jake does amazing work.

[@jimcarter4929]

Interesting subject, never expected to see covered, thank you.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Our pleasure!

[@pmelchman]

Eric, what a craftsman jake is. He said some amazings sayings that want me to push my skills even higher

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

He sure is!!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@randalllaue4042]

There’s another kind of holder that is thicker and personalizes your hand, he only makes so many a year. I think it makes it possible to hold longer... (all day) without much pain.

[@RevengeAvenger]

How is this not more popular? This is amazing! Crap... You're not on TikTok. Makes sense.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Please help spread the word!! No TikTok for me! Thank you

[@vincentkayodeadigon8748]

Amazing!!! It's my first time learning about penmanship. I have felt in love with it. Practicing right away! I will teach my kids. Thank you!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Great to hear!! How awesome!

[@r.mercado9737]

He appears being most humble and gracious! PTL! Semper Fi

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Very humble and incredibly talented. Thank you

[@codacreator6162]

His description of the necessity of making the pen he needed reminds me of how Eddie Van Halen approached guitar… amazing.

[@walterwjr947]

Thank you.... 🙏 😔 🙏 GOoD choice of wood, my favorite, wish you had done more on the nibs.... 🙏 🖖 🙏

[@sheseesfortress1719]

amazing determination

[@TheClBlues]

Your channel is a recent discovery for me, and it's a damn' one for sure ! Why aren't you on the front row of YT suggestions, I can't believe it ! Anyway, each episode is a GREAT moment of humanity, you offer such nice persons to our knowledge. No un-needed talk, just some clever questions and the work goes on, it's perfect. For me, as a hobbyist carpenter and welder, you and your guest are beautiful examples, nothing less ! I wish you the best, you've found a really nice format which deserves to last for long. Sorry if my english is a bit poor, I'm french…

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you! Very kind

[@robertjerome1889]

Wow.........he's good!!!!

[@masonjoseph9037]

Hi Eric I'm checking out this video because I read about Jake being 1 of 12 in the world who have reached mastery penmanship. I'd like for you to autograph my book because it's one of my favorite reads

[@masonjoseph9037]

From your book a craftsmanship legacy

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Hi joseph, Happy to sign your book. You can send it to Voodoo Choppers and I'll take care of that. Thank you

[@gatorboots7608]

I'm here to your channel from your book... you have truly reignited my passion to get back in my shop... However, on this particular video, it spoke to me. I have zero interest in penmanship and or lathework, but Jake's enthusiasm for explaining and sharing his love for a craft was inspiring. On a separate note, he seems like the kind of fella that is willing to explore new things like yourself. Maybe cohost a couple new episodes? Channel is awesome, well done brother. I'm so happy I stumbled across you!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you! Wonderful to read and great suggestion.

[@MichaelDFarrellJr]

I studied Spencerian and some Copperplate in grad school. Although the the skills have significantly waned since then when I was writing in these styles every day and week, I still love and hold dear the art and the writing produced. Same experience as Mr. Weidmann, send a beautiful letter to a love interest.....get a text in reply.

[@cmxsprt]

Nice work!

[@AustinJASMR]

"Because there were so few good pens avaliable, I had to make my own." Is there a skill this guy doesn't have?

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Jake is incredibly talented.

[@AustinJASMR]

@@CraftsmansLegacy I believe that makes him a "multipotentiality" or someone who has multiple exceptional skills.

[@MFKR696]

That wood he described as simply "black and white ivory" was mistaken. It's called Pale Moon Ebony. It's essentially a lighter-colored version of Macassar Ebony. If you talk to an exotic-wood dealer and ask for "black and white" Ebony, you're probably gonna get chuckled at.

[@anthonybalkishun2751]

He really is an inspiration, I myself love working on my penmanship and teaching my kid's as well. I would love to become a student, that would be an honor , regardless if I have to pay.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

I continue working on my penmanship too, although not as often as I'd like! You'd have to reach out to Jake about that. I know he recently released an online series.

[@brewster2188]

Absolutely beautiful, I was a sigwriter but no where near this level, stunning

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

He is very talented. Absolutely beautiful work.

[@northerniltree]

Eric, I just subscribed to your channel. I have a friend who liked my chainsaw carving 30 years ago, and went on to do it as a living. His name is Jeff Mohr, and his website is Northwoods Carver. He lives in south central Wisconsin. He also has KZbin videos. If you check this out, I guarantee you'll take a road trip to Wisconsin. You guys actually look somewhat similar.

[@richjohn11]

Hello Eric !greetings from the UK. May I ask you, what was your favourite craft and which one would you take up? Love the show, please do more

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Hi! I've really enjoyed all of the episodes and regularly work in metal and wood. I'd love to work more in leather and ceramics. Thanks!!

[@bryanyankulov3162]

Great Vid. ~

[@6122ula]

...BRAVO ❗... God bless America… 🇺🇸

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you

[@davr9724]

Very good video

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you

[@codacreator6162]

Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning did the same. Nice to see art in letters. Now, if it would just catch on…

[@nigelscott1922]

What a great story

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Jake is an incredible craftsman! 🙏

[@r.mercado9737]

Quick and easy, truly disheartening!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

How so?

[@r.mercado9737]

Oops! Please forgive me. I stand amazed at what an iPhone can do in terms of filling in the blanks. Thank you for bringing that thought to my attention. Your interview of Jake was absolutely wonderful. Your gracious demeanor was also quite appropriate, as well. Semper Fi

[@r.mercado9737]

A Craftsmans Legacy Oops! Please forgive me. I stand amazed at what an iPhone can do in terms of filling in the blanks. Thank you for bringing that thought to my attention. Your interview of Jake was absolutely wonderful. Your gracious demeanor was also quite appropriate, as well. Semper Fi

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thank you for the kind words! Jake is an amazing man. So talented and humble.

[@mikecook8712]

I love watching masters want to just jump in and take over...

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

They make it look so easy!

[@codacreator6162]

I had a college prof ask for a copy of my in-class exam essay once. Subject was Beowulf. Pretty sure it had nothing to do with my handwriting. 😎

[@r.mercado9737]

OOHRAH! Semper Fi

[@bcj842]

That boy is a regular sensei

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Right!!

[@sergiomulestagno5831]

As a calligrapher, I do not know what my original handwriting is.

[@lion.r.kuppurajrathinam]

Amazing, Exquisite, can't find words to Express your capability and Talent. I am also an Excellent Calligraphy Writer. I want to send my sample handwriting. How to send it.Pl guide me.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Jake is truly talented and a wonderful person. You would suggest you reach out to him directly. I'm sure he would be happy to assist.

[@greysonvoutsas6969]

Which episode is the one at 1:14 with the gears?

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

The Clock Maker. Excellent episode.

[@kathystevens5991]

What type of nib did Jake use? It almost looked like a brush when he wrote with it!

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

I don't remember which nib he used. You might want to contact him directly. I'm sure he would be happy to assist.

[@adamrosson34]

His quote was wrong. St. Francis didn’t say that. It was Louis Nizer who said that quote

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

Thanks for the correction.

[@nz1m]

I feel inadequate leaving bits and bytes instead of the endless flow and curve of a caligrapher's hand. But, alas, I'm a lefty. I fear my hand would instantly smudge any serious penmanship effort. Even the handcrafted pens offset the nib to keep the flow from being smudged... but only for righties. How is a lefty to manage? Perhaps write "mirror", like Michaelangelo?

[@bertocbr9412]

How much is that pen cost?

[@MrGrundle]

It's a travesty they don't teach penmanship in school any more.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

It is. I remember cursive during grade school. I wasn't good at it! haha

[@brewster2188]

Caligrapher

[@baskisj]

Can I have your contact email id.. I too have a good handwritting but don't have nibs and pens.

[@CraftsmansLegacy]

You would want to reach out to Jake directly.

[@stevenledwith]

Who else got here from The Theology Pugcast?