I am 80 years old and hanging on every word this man speaks. I went into the US Army at 17 years of age due to a poor childhood and no parental guidance. I worked my way up the ranks until I was commissioned a 2LT and finally retired a captain w/two purple hearts after two tours in Vietnam. After the Army I got into law enforcement and after 15 years and again retired after an accident. I finally got to smell the roses much later on in life, doing what I wanted to do working out in my shop. I turned hundreds of beautiful pens and with the exception of the really beautiful pens my wife kept, I gave the other pens to my kids and grandkids to sell and keep the money. This man is what makes this America beautiful. Imagine all the beautiful furniture and wood products he has created and still makes. The knowledge he has passed on to the rest of the world, yet is so soft spoken and unassuming . Now on the part 2, which I'm sure will be just as inspiring. Thank you sir, you are my hero. ..Ken..Marina CA .
@@freddiemercerful You're more than welcome. It's guys like you that America could do without. Sit back and bitch and complain, but I doubt if you got rich at your job. What have you done for America. Better hurry and cash that welfare check before it gets recalled.
What a wonderfully self-aware and tranquil human being. You can always tell someone has found their true passion by how effortlessly they are able to articulate their thoughts about it. There was no inflation of words, or exaggeration of his work, nor was there any struggling for explanation, Alf just fully understands the theory, the craft, and the spirit of his medium.
So eloquently worded. You articulated that perfectly so I guess your business is seeing the good in people. I liked the guy from the get-go but what you said is exactly what makes him awesome. Have a good day, nameless friend.
Yes, Father God...thank You for the gift that You personally put inside of us before sending us to earth to be Your love and light for the world to witness just how beautifully talented You are. When we use that gift we will NEVER run around the world looking for our destiny...instead, we will manifest it in the earth to make this world a better place to be. Amen.
Funny, that's exactly how my shop looks. Chaotic, dusty, cozy, beautiful! I have the greatest respect & empathy for someone who throws away the office jobs to build something good. Did it too. Never looked back since the day I walked out from the chemistry industry (Bayer) 20 years ago. These jobs kill the man inside IMO. Making things with your brain & hands makes happy on so many levels. I recommend. Money is important, but by far not the first thing you should think about. Everyone I know who has lots of money is unhappy, at least on one or two levels. And BTW: Wood calms me. Deeply.
Like CAPT Bartlett below, I too am retired Navy (35 years, E-3 to O-6)....and retired federal law enforcement. Retiring and after a failed attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail -- concerned with how I started feeling lost, I discovered a love for refinishing/refurbishing/restoring solid wood furniture found tag sales, second hand and even “curbside”! While I still want to complete the AT, I have found true joy in returning furniture to “better than new” glory--as well as decoy carving, training my Aussie, working on an old Porsche--and getting reacquainted with my wife and kids! Thank you Mr. Sharp....a most beautiful video!
As a cabinet maker myself I can say this man is living the life most cabinet makers I’ve ever worked with only dream off. Finding the customers to pay for custom pieces is the trickiest part. I know lots of great cabinet makers who had to do the kitchen and built in units to make a living and hope for the odd commission. Good luck to this man. Living the dream!
I felt the urge to stand from my desk and clap at the end of this video. Very nicely done. Very nice. The spirit, love and essence of this man is very well captured here. Wonderful work. Thank You.
Thank you so much for your inspirational story Mr. Sharp. My Dad was a picture frame maker/restorer and I used to help him in his workshop and I picked up his love for wood and his eye for beauty in seemingly ordinary things.
I'm a self employed carpenter working on domestic houses (skirting, doors etc.) Would love to be able to go in to making furniture like this master. You can feel his passion for it. (How can people dislike this?)
Could be the wine, but this is one of the most worthwhile videos I've wathced in a long time. Tomorrow I'm starting a wood working project, albeit with ply wood, but because of this video, I think I', going to enjoy it a little bit more and appreciate the opportunity to have the tools and the ability to work with my hands.
Isn’t it truly amazing how we can be so blessed and stumble into something that we love to do. Your shop is a mixture of loving chaos and 10,000 hours of loving what you do. Enjoy and hang in there you are one lucky man!
I CAN CLEARLY SEE THIS MANS LEVEL AND STANDARDS ARE HIGH JUST BY WHAT LITTLE I HAVE SEEN OF HIS INCREDIBLE WORKMANSHIP AND HIS DEDICATION TO THE HIGHER FORMS OF WOODWORKING MR. SHARP YOUR A INSPIRATION AND IT SHOWS ME THAT SCHOOL IS NOT OUT AND WHAT TO BE LEARNED IS ENDLESS THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.
True craftsman..most certainly a rare special breed of man..wish there was more Alf' s around in today's society to pass this legendary skill to the younger generation..wish he was my neighbor..
I have been a woodturner for over twenty years and I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. You brought things up that I had never thought of before such as substracting material vs adding using a CNC. re. Thank you!
Not everyone who's really talented can feel comfortable in a nine to five job. Boredom would definitely set in, given that their restless spirits mark time being squandered, on a mundane life at the office. These restless souls long to spend time on their own, away from everything, just to pursue what their hearts enjoy doing. God gives these souls patience, abundant patience, because no mere mortal could actually spend hours away from family and friends, working at things close to their hearts. It takes a special kind of person to take on, and continue doing something such as this. Only a craftsman would know what I'm talking about! God bless them all! Lovely video, thank you so much for sharing.
I have only heard a little of this interview but I couldn't agree more with the inspiration to do beautiful things with one's hands. I too, was a member of the Furniture Society for a year or two. I felt at home there.
Wonderful video my hat is off to you I had the privilege working for a master Craftsman for 17 years in New Hampshire his name was Henry page used to do primarily antique furniture restoration until the late 1980s when the market and it dropped out from underneath
Congratulations to this gentleman for measuring himself against his own standards and not the standards of the outside world where classical education seem to direct us to values which are like clouds moving with the wind. Knowing oneself at an early age in life is a sign of the highest intelligence. Well done Sir, you have peace in your heart.
Alf, I have just watch the video "Journey of a master Craftsman" with tears in my eyes . I spent 40 year as a pastry and culinary Chef and reached the top of my craft as I believe I am a craftsman in my trade a very good one and thoroughly enjoyed all of those years .Thing is that it was not until I retired and took up woodturning as a hobby did I find the work I really loved .I say I am a man that has NO regrets for the choices I have made in m y life. But as a young man I was offered a job turning wood with a friends small shop and so for three years I worked as a woodturner, loved woodturning and working with wood ut I could make more than twice the money by returning to my craft as a top chef. But I do regret my life of working for money than working for pleasure that I now know a life as a woodturner it would have been so right for me .Don't get me wrong I do love to cook and cook up a storm at home . I know now that I should have taken woodturning and not the Money at the time . What I am trying to say is that a man must do what he loves to do, all the money in the world will not make you as satisfied as making something you truly love with you hand at something you truly love doing. I am now a truly happy man and very luck that I got the chance to now do what I always really loved to do but didn't realise it . Thank you Sir .
It would be almost impossible to find a better short video to fill me with such positive emotions. Everything first class from the lighting, pace, music and of course wonderful subject. Thank You.
Alf is a real inspiration. I have been sitting in a cubical for the last 6 years procrastinating quitting to peruse my furniture business. The idea of throwing away thousands in student loans has always held me back. Hearing his story and realizing true happiness can be achieved with sacrifice has helped me make the decision to go through with my plans. Can't thank you and other craftsman enough Alf!
+B GoodAir totally agree. His passion and story are great! And if you're into podcasts I do one where we talk about the journey you want to go on. You can check it out at madeforprofit.com if interested 👍👍
B GoodAir, 7 months on since you wrote that. I’d love to hear where your head is now. Have you made any kind of a move yet; if not do you still hope to; etc?
Reminds me of my dad's shop. Stuff everywhere, but yet he turned out an amazing volume of work. When he passed away I got rid of things that he might "need" that I had helped him move around for 40 years. LOL When I built my shop it was 4 times bigger, and he gave me all kinds of grief for taking the time to custom build every working surface in it to the same height. After watching me work for a while, and seeing how I could handle stock, much bigger than he could ever handle, by myself, and with ease, he decided maybe I wasn't so crazy after all.
What a wonderful feature video. I’m so glad to have discovered Alf this morning and that crafts people like him exist. It’s made me miss my grandpa a lot. He introduced me to wood working when i was 6 or 7. This is inspiring thank you.
What a great thing for him to do for others, sharing his story, the success, the mistakes, how he learned from them both lol. What a great inspiration. So in this spirit, i offer my help to any folks out there that are trying to learn stone sculpture
It is indeed rare to see such a shining example of Inner Strength and Outer Gentleness. I am deeply moved by this gente giant. To tell all the Truth, my eyes are not dry.
What a beautifully presented and honest exposé on a gentle and wise man who has followed his heart. It's easy to observe the deep and calm inner peace that flows from such a life with balance and harmony. Thank you for sharing this story with a real message for all of us. As I look at my own children, this honesty is what I want for their lives and for me this presents a real challenge, embedded in a society so oriented to wealth attainment above all (sometimes myself included). Thank you very much for this lovely introspective. Regards from Sydney, Australia - Dave (an aspiring fine woodworker)
After 46 years as a Cabinetmaker I have no regrets because i have always done what I love to do, Work Wood. I've built doors, stairs. windows, mantels , cradles, 18th century style furniture, repair, restoration, refinishing and coffins. I've only built one set of kitchen cabinets. I Never wanted any employees in the shop because of the trouble of them. I'll work for another 14 years then I'll retire. That will make 60 years in the shop and that's enough. Good work Alf.
I so envy this gentleman. I’m a doctor, but all I ever wanted to do is this. I will die never having fulfilled my dream, but will do the best I can for those who depend upon me.
Wonderful! Maybe it's just been a long week and I'm tired, or maybe this story of his life spent at this craft that I, too, love is just is so compelling, but 9:10-9:20 had me really emotional. He never forgets each project, each pattern, because he was so invested in each! Thank you for putting this together!
Beautiful pieces of work from one carver to another I learnt from so many different carvers over the years since I was 13 years old I love it so much and it's amazing that I've defined my work by watching and listening this is beautiful magnificent work
My father was a master carpenter and cabinet maker. He taught me beginning at the age of 15. I didn’t appreciate what I had learned until after he passed . I’ve spent 24 years employed in the Criminal Justice system but still do carpentry of my time off. Now as a 57 year old man all I do is wait for my office job to end in order to get back in my shop. I now realize what a beautiful gift my father left me.
This man tells his story and he comes across as a humble man. And I see thumbs down and I don't get it. What is wrong with people!? What did this man do to have them think it's negative?
What a wonderful interview. As a master craftsman one would expect that they are missing part of a digit. I've heard so many horror stories of craftsman loosing a piece or even a few fingers. My theory is that a master craftsman not only takes care of their tools, the medium that they are working with but also their hands because without their hands they can't create the beauty that we all crave so much. I'm glad to see that Alf still has all his fingers, in my book a Master Craftsman!
*Safety first.* Never let a piss poor boss try to get *you* to make up for *their ineptitude as a contractor* by causing you to rush and work unsafely. That is exactly how happened with every carpenter I know of that lost fingers on table saws, and is how a router bit ended up carving out a chunk on the side of my knee.
Hi Alf what a lovely person and a top craftsman what you don't know is not worth knowing you remind me so much of my late father he to was a very clever man you are just so clear in everything you say and how easily you come across I am just starting the wood work hobby as I have now finished work and I need some thing to do I am so glad I stumbled across your video it was great Alf I will hunt down a few more of them take care mate
Mr. Sharp is very inspiring. I am at a crossroads and the only thing I find much interest in is woodworking. I'm a complete novice, still lack many tools but hopefully I can acquire what I need eventually. Thanks for this great video/story! - Adam
Adam Carroll run with that interest!! And I’m not sure which part of the globe your on lol but in the US (I’m sure the same can be said pretty much everywhere else as well) there are flea markets, yard/garage/estate sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, etc. with REALLY good deals on all kinds of tools. They’re typically used but In good working condition for very little cost.
Hey Alf! Good to see you again, although not in person. Glad to see my Flagstaff shop is not the only one cluttered with lots of memories of fun (and not so fun) projects.
When living outside Nashville I met Alf several times and one time it was on a tour he held to show the work he had reproduced for the Hermitage plantation of Andrew Jackson. Very interesting work and his replica of President George Washington's swiveling mahogany office chair is pretty spectacular piece of work along with many other pieces for the Hermitage. The Hermitage is open to the public.
To: @@Fixthisbuildthat - Ha, ha! I am what could be termed an occasional (hobby) toy-maker but I reside just about a quarter mile from a public house known as 'The Sheraton', not the only such place in Stockton-on-Tees (UK), I might add. At the time of his practicing his craft I doubt that Thomas considered that on his passing there would be such venues. Like the great Masters in Art perhaps the Master Craftsmen are only fully and universally appreciated through the passage of time. I can picture the future spirits of Alf and Thomas, together enjoying a glass of the same and sharing their passion, oh! I don't know; in Alf's home town, some place called 'The Sharp Inn'? It would be nice to think so.
This is just great, Brad. I love learning about master craftsman and what it takes to really be good at something, especially something I want to be really good at too. Thanks for making this for all of us.
Alf, I enjoyed every word you've spoken. My career relates exactly to yours. I also have that packrat mentality and rescued the most valuable thrown-away stuff to create master pieces.
Great story! Thanks for interviewing him, Brad. He definitely had me hooked at the beginning since I'm in law school right now too, haha. I completely understand the sentiment. -Caleb Harris
If you intention was to draw attention to a remarkable craftsman, you have accomplished the task. I'd never heard of Alf Sharp before, but now I want to know more.
Very nice video. I’ve always followed this gentlemen from a certain distance, but knowing the behind the scenes and in his own shop, very nice episode. Thanks for the video
Wow! Very interesting! I never heard of Alf Sharp but we have a lot in common, like his story is my story, and we're abouot the same age, 70, and I also had a TR3. My pieces were originals not antique copies (Los Angeles/Hollywood stuff), but he has better tools than I, and I never had more than one employee, and he probably made more money than I did. But I can identify with him! Good luck Alf! (Sounds Norwegian, like me).
Howdy from Oregon, Alf. Nice cozy wood shop, self-realized man, with expert skills, - carpenters' bliss! Love the clawfoot leg, wish you would have shown the finished piece.
Dear Sir -- I just "stumbled" on the story of your craftsman journey it is an impressive and inspiring story. I only wish that I had the skills necessary to accomplish your achievements. Good going and continue your passion, Happy New Year.
I am 80 years old and hanging on every word this man speaks. I went into the US Army at 17 years of age due to a poor childhood and no parental guidance. I worked my way up the ranks until I was commissioned a 2LT and finally retired a captain w/two purple hearts after two tours in Vietnam. After the Army I got into law enforcement and after 15 years and again retired after an accident. I finally got to smell the roses much later on in life, doing what I wanted to do working out in my shop. I turned hundreds of beautiful pens and with the exception of the really beautiful pens my wife kept, I gave the other pens to my kids and grandkids to sell and keep the money. This man is what makes this America beautiful. Imagine all the beautiful furniture and wood products he has created and still makes. The knowledge he has passed on to the rest of the world, yet is so soft spoken and unassuming . Now on the part 2, which I'm sure will be just as inspiring. Thank you sir, you are my hero. ..Ken..Marina CA .
"This man is what makes this America beautiful". That acknowledgement in its self is beautiful . Cheers from Vancouver Island BC.
Ken, thank you for your service and welcome home. Great post and sentiments.
Agree
Kenneth thanks on behalf of the bourgeoisie for you service, murdering your fellow workers abroad, we couldn't of got rich without you.
@@freddiemercerful You're more than welcome. It's guys like you that America could do without. Sit back and bitch and complain, but I doubt if you got rich at your job. What have you done for America. Better hurry and cash that welfare check before it gets recalled.
What a wonderfully self-aware and tranquil human being. You can always tell someone has found their true passion by how effortlessly they are able to articulate their thoughts about it. There was no inflation of words, or exaggeration of his work, nor was there any struggling for explanation, Alf just fully understands the theory, the craft, and the spirit of his medium.
Very well said! I think you captured him perfectly.
My thoughts exactly. Genuine man and craftsman. Sensed deeply.
So eloquently worded.
You articulated that perfectly so I guess your business is seeing the good in people.
I liked the guy from the get-go but what you said is exactly what makes him awesome.
Have a good day, nameless friend.
Yes, Father God...thank You for the gift that You personally put inside of us before sending us to earth to be Your love and light for the world to witness just how beautifully talented You are. When we use that gift we will NEVER run around the world looking for our destiny...instead, we will manifest it in the earth to make this world a better place to be. Amen.
Funny, that's exactly how my shop looks. Chaotic, dusty, cozy, beautiful! I have the greatest respect & empathy for someone who throws away the office jobs to build something good. Did it too. Never looked back since the day I walked out from the chemistry industry (Bayer) 20 years ago. These jobs kill the man inside IMO. Making things with your brain & hands makes happy on so many levels. I recommend. Money is important, but by far not the first thing you should think about. Everyone I know who has lots of money is unhappy, at least on one or two levels. And BTW: Wood calms me. Deeply.
Like CAPT Bartlett below, I too am retired Navy (35 years, E-3 to O-6)....and retired federal law enforcement. Retiring and after a failed attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail -- concerned with how I started feeling lost, I discovered a love for refinishing/refurbishing/restoring solid wood furniture found tag sales, second hand and even “curbside”! While I still want to complete the AT, I have found true joy in returning furniture to “better than new” glory--as well as decoy carving, training my Aussie, working on an old Porsche--and getting reacquainted with my wife and kids! Thank you Mr. Sharp....a most beautiful video!
As a cabinet maker myself I can say this man is living the life most cabinet makers I’ve ever worked with only dream off.
Finding the customers to pay for custom pieces is the trickiest part. I know lots of great cabinet makers who had to do the kitchen and built in units to make a living and hope for the odd commission. Good luck to this man. Living the dream!
I work as a software enginier at a very big enterprise but what i love for real is woodworking.
Came in for a wood lesson, left with a life one. Craft on Mr. Sharp
I felt the urge to stand from my desk and clap at the end of this video. Very nicely done. Very nice. The spirit, love and essence of this man is very well captured here. Wonderful work. Thank You.
Wow, thanks!
The world needs more Alfs, imagine how peaceful and beautiful it would be
+matt antunovic well said!
We wouldn't need lawyer.
Thank you so much for your inspirational story Mr. Sharp. My Dad was a picture frame maker/restorer and I used to help him in his workshop and I picked up his love for wood and his eye for beauty in seemingly ordinary things.
What a fascinating human being(Gentleman). Could listen to him all day. Very captivating.
I love to listen to someone talk about what they are passionate about, no matter what it is. It's even better when it's something you like too
I'm a self employed carpenter working on domestic houses (skirting, doors etc.)
Would love to be able to go in to making furniture like this master.
You can feel his passion for it. (How can people dislike this?)
His passion is infectious!
I admire this gentleman's passion.
Inspirational isn't it?
Part of the joy of woodworking is simply gaining the knowledge and skill as you practice the craft.
Could be the wine, but this is one of the most worthwhile videos I've wathced in a long time.
Tomorrow I'm starting a wood working project, albeit with ply wood, but because of this video, I think I', going to enjoy it a little bit more and appreciate the opportunity to have the tools and the ability to work with my hands.
Isn’t it truly amazing how we can be so blessed and stumble into something that we love to do. Your shop is a mixture of loving chaos and 10,000 hours of loving what you do. Enjoy and hang in there you are one lucky man!
I CAN CLEARLY SEE THIS MANS LEVEL AND STANDARDS ARE HIGH JUST BY WHAT LITTLE I HAVE SEEN OF HIS INCREDIBLE WORKMANSHIP AND HIS DEDICATION TO THE HIGHER FORMS OF WOODWORKING MR. SHARP YOUR A INSPIRATION AND IT SHOWS ME THAT SCHOOL IS NOT OUT AND WHAT TO BE LEARNED IS ENDLESS THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.
True craftsman..most certainly a rare special breed of man..wish there was more Alf' s around in today's society to pass this legendary skill to the younger generation..wish he was my neighbor..
I have been a woodturner for over twenty years and I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. You brought things up that I had never thought of before such as substracting material vs adding using a CNC. re. Thank you!
Thank you for Alf, for being an inspiration to me and to so many others! Thank you for the interview Brad!
Not everyone who's really talented can feel comfortable in a nine to five
job. Boredom would definitely set in, given that their restless spirits mark time being squandered, on a mundane life at the office. These restless souls long to spend time on their own, away from everything, just to pursue what their hearts enjoy doing. God gives these souls patience, abundant patience, because no mere mortal could actually spend hours away from family and friends, working at things close to their hearts. It takes a special kind of person to take on, and continue doing something such as this. Only a craftsman would know what I'm talking about! God bless them all! Lovely video, thank you so much for sharing.
I have only heard a little of this interview but I couldn't agree more with the inspiration to do beautiful things with one's hands. I too, was a member of the Furniture Society for a year or two. I felt at home there.
Probably the best stumble you ever made. The place looks like a shrine of your life, never change anything about it.
i was honored to watch Alf Sharp crave for about 3 hours one day at the craft center in cookeville tn he is the best i have seen
Wonderful video my hat is off to you I had the privilege working for a master Craftsman for 17 years in New Hampshire his name was Henry page used to do primarily antique furniture restoration until the late 1980s when the market and it dropped out from underneath
The carved dog at 4:07 is incredible, so lifelike you could nearly see him breathing. What craftsmanship.
Congratulations to this gentleman for measuring himself against his own standards and not the standards of the outside world where classical education seem to direct us to values which are like clouds moving with the wind. Knowing oneself at an early age in life is a sign of the highest intelligence. Well done Sir, you have peace in your heart.
So nice to sit and take a break with Alf. A real pleasure.
Alf, I have just watch the video "Journey of a master Craftsman" with tears in my eyes . I spent 40 year as a pastry and culinary Chef and reached the top of my craft as I believe I am a craftsman in my trade a very good one and thoroughly enjoyed all of those years .Thing is that it was not until I retired and took up woodturning as a hobby did I find the work I really loved .I say I am a man that has NO regrets for the choices I have made in m y life. But as a young man I was offered a job turning wood with a friends small shop and so for three years I worked as a woodturner, loved woodturning and working with wood ut I could make more than twice the money by returning to my craft as a top chef. But I do regret my life of working for money than working for pleasure that I now know a life as a woodturner it would have been so right for me .Don't get me wrong I do love to cook and cook up a storm at home . I know now that I should have taken woodturning and not the Money at the time . What I am trying to say is that a man must do what he loves to do, all the money in the world will not make you as satisfied as making something you truly love with you hand at something you truly love doing. I am now a truly happy man and very luck that I got the chance to now do what I always really loved to do but didn't realise it . Thank you Sir .
It would be almost impossible to find a better short video to fill me with such positive emotions.
Everything first class from the lighting, pace, music and of course wonderful subject.
Thank You.
Alf is so awesome
His shop is super cool too! So old school.
Alf is a real inspiration. I have been sitting in a cubical for the last 6 years procrastinating quitting to peruse my furniture business. The idea of throwing away thousands in student loans has always held me back. Hearing his story and realizing true happiness can be achieved with sacrifice has helped me make the decision to go through with my plans. Can't thank you and other craftsman enough Alf!
+B GoodAir totally agree. His passion and story are great! And if you're into podcasts I do one where we talk about the journey you want to go on. You can check it out at madeforprofit.com if interested 👍👍
B GoodAir, 7 months on since you wrote that. I’d love to hear where your head is now. Have you made any kind of a move yet; if not do you still hope to; etc?
Baked Utah same! 👆
Thank you for sharing this precious Craftsman and his inspring story with us. I loved every minute of his speech. Motivated me in every way ✌🏻🪚⚙️🌟
Alf was today's morning meditation. Thanks
Reminds me of my dad's shop. Stuff everywhere, but yet he turned out an amazing volume of work. When he passed away I got rid of things that he might "need" that I had helped him move around for 40 years. LOL
When I built my shop it was 4 times bigger, and he gave me all kinds of grief for taking the time to custom build every working surface in it to the same height. After watching me work for a while, and seeing how I could handle stock, much bigger than he could ever handle, by myself, and with ease, he decided maybe I wasn't so crazy after all.
What a wonderful feature video. I’m so glad to have discovered Alf this morning and that crafts people like him exist. It’s made me miss my grandpa a lot. He introduced me to wood working when i was 6 or 7. This is inspiring thank you.
When I walked into his shop the look and smell of it took me right back to my grandfather's shop. Choked me up a little bit honestly.
What a great thing for him to do for others, sharing his story, the success, the mistakes, how he learned from them both lol. What a great inspiration. So in this spirit, i offer my help to any folks out there that are trying to learn stone sculpture
It is indeed rare to see such a shining example of Inner Strength and Outer Gentleness. I am deeply moved by this gente giant. To tell all the Truth, my eyes are not dry.
You are the luckiest man alive God bless your hands and brains please pass your knowledge on so that more people can enjoy woodworking
I'm 75 and can't wait until I can have my next woodshop again! AHHHH the smell of wood!
Love this story. What a great symbol of true life
Brilliant video and content was so captivating ,Alf had me hanging on his every word, thanks for sharing.
What a beautifully presented and honest exposé on a gentle and wise man who has followed his heart. It's easy to observe the deep and calm inner peace that flows from such a life with balance and harmony. Thank you for sharing this story with a real message for all of us. As I look at my own children, this honesty is what I want for their lives and for me this presents a real challenge, embedded in a society so oriented to wealth attainment above all (sometimes myself included). Thank you very much for this lovely introspective. Regards from Sydney, Australia - Dave (an aspiring fine woodworker)
Thanks for the feedback, Dave
That ball and claw ❤ thank you for sharing Alfi with us.
Alf is a fine craftsman and a good man I count it a blessing to know him.
After 46 years as a Cabinetmaker I have no regrets because i have always done what I love to do, Work Wood. I've built doors, stairs. windows, mantels , cradles, 18th century style furniture, repair, restoration, refinishing and coffins. I've only built one set of kitchen cabinets. I Never wanted any employees in the shop because of the trouble of them. I'll work for another 14 years then I'll retire. That will make 60 years in the shop and that's enough. Good work Alf.
I so envy this gentleman. I’m a doctor, but all I ever wanted to do is this. I will die never having fulfilled my dream, but will do the best I can for those who depend upon me.
Just stumbled across this video. Very cool. Boy would I like to work under Alf for a year.
+Rambladesman Moe yeah, you would learn a ton!
Hopefully one day I can have a shop to do my passion too. I'm a woodcarver and cabinet maker and still dreaming about having my own shop ...
Wood carving is a fantastic skill,, keep it going
Wonderful! Maybe it's just been a long week and I'm tired, or maybe this story of his life spent at this craft that I, too, love is just is so compelling, but 9:10-9:20 had me really emotional. He never forgets each project, each pattern, because he was so invested in each! Thank you for putting this together!
That look on his face while he's talking about them tells it all, doesn't it?
Beautiful pieces of work from one carver to another I learnt from so many different carvers over the years since I was 13 years old I love it so much and it's amazing that I've defined my work by watching and listening this is beautiful magnificent work
Beautiful
My father was a master carpenter and cabinet maker. He taught me beginning at the age of 15. I didn’t appreciate what I had learned until after he passed . I’ve spent 24 years employed in the Criminal Justice system but still do carpentry of my time off. Now as a 57 year old man all I do is wait for my office job to end in order to get back in my shop. I now realize what a beautiful gift my father left me.
Lovely video, i wish i had a grandfather like you, someone i could learn from a lot of things and spend time with.
If there are more of these to come, I can’t wait. Videos like these calm my soul
Have at least 2 more to go!
ALF I LOVE THE STORY .SO VERY INFORMING .LOVE THE SHOP FROM DOUG
He's got a great story and he tells it well. I love the (mostlly) one-sided interview style. Nice job.
+Featherboards yup, wanted it to be all him but really wanted to include the car story and it wouldn't have made sense without the question heard.
This man tells his story and he comes across as a humble man. And I see thumbs down and I don't get it. What is wrong with people!? What did this man do to have them think it's negative?
I took a look on his website. There are some unbelievable pieces of furniture there.
I am glad that i discovered this story.. thanks
What a wonderful interview. As a master craftsman one would expect that they are missing part of a digit. I've heard so many horror stories of craftsman loosing a piece or even a few fingers. My theory is that a master craftsman not only takes care of their tools, the medium that they are working with but also their hands because without their hands they can't create the beauty that we all crave so much. I'm glad to see that Alf still has all his fingers, in my book a Master Craftsman!
Yes, the measure of a master should start with a finger count :)
*Safety first.* Never let a piss poor boss try to get *you* to make up for *their ineptitude as a contractor* by causing you to rush and work unsafely. That is exactly how happened with every carpenter I know of that lost fingers on table saws, and is how a router bit ended up carving out a chunk on the side of my knee.
Just stumbled across this video. I'm a bench hand joiner and would love a shop like that!! Excellent work. 👍🏻👍🏻
Such a cosy woodworking worship. God bless you sir
Hi Alf what a lovely person and a top craftsman what you don't know is not worth knowing you remind me so much of my late father he to was a very clever man you are just so clear in everything you say and how easily you come across I am just starting the wood work hobby as I have now finished work and I need some thing to do I am so glad I stumbled across your video it was great Alf I will hunt down a few more of them take care mate
Thank you! So touching! Can't wait to see the follow-up videos!
I'm excited to make them!
Amazing story! Wow! Great story and brilliant cinematography.
A true craftsman. Thumbs up.🔨
You are the man, God bless you
I am not good with words(better with wood) so I’ll just say wow and thank you my friend great film
Loved it dude. Love hearing stories of wood workers.
It's awesome to hear isn't it?
Mr. Sharp is very inspiring. I am at a crossroads and the only thing I find much interest in is woodworking. I'm a complete novice, still lack many tools but hopefully I can acquire what I need eventually. Thanks for this great video/story! - Adam
Adam Carroll run with that interest!! And I’m not sure which part of the globe your on lol but in the US (I’m sure the same can be said pretty much everywhere else as well) there are flea markets, yard/garage/estate sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, etc. with REALLY good deals on all kinds of tools. They’re typically used but In good working condition for very little cost.
Hey Alf! Good to see you again, although not in person. Glad to see my Flagstaff shop is not the only one cluttered with lots of memories of fun (and not so fun) projects.
Wow Brad. That was.....there is no words. Great job.
thank you!
Great story and time capsule of the freedom by choice to create. Thanks guys well done 👍🏾🎨
The moral of his story Find what you love to do and make it happen. A craft is developed and learned over time so patients is key to let skill evolve.
great production & even better wood! Thanks Brad
When living outside Nashville I met Alf several times and one time it was on a tour he held to show the work he had reproduced for the Hermitage plantation of Andrew Jackson. Very interesting work and his replica of President George Washington's swiveling mahogany office chair is pretty spectacular piece of work along with many other pieces for the Hermitage. The Hermitage is open to the public.
Alf is one of the most underrated and unknown Masters this world has.
Totally agree. His portfolio is just ridiculous. The McIntyre chest is truly a master piece.
To: @@Fixthisbuildthat - Ha, ha! I am what could be termed an occasional (hobby) toy-maker but I reside just about a quarter mile from a public house known as 'The Sheraton', not the only such place in Stockton-on-Tees (UK), I might add. At the time of his practicing his craft I doubt that Thomas considered that on his passing there would be such venues. Like the great Masters in Art perhaps the Master Craftsmen are only fully and universally appreciated through the passage of time.
I can picture the future spirits of Alf and Thomas, together enjoying a glass of the same and sharing their passion, oh! I don't know; in Alf's home town, some place called 'The Sharp Inn'?
It would be nice to think so.
One great story after another. You guys keep uploading and us viewers will keep thumbs upping your videos. It's really inspiring.
Well done. What a great story. Wish I had his luck to "stumble backward" into the career. I guess I'll have to keep it as a hobby for now.
Yeah, some stumble backward into it and others search for it their whole life.
This is just great, Brad. I love learning about master craftsman and what it takes to really be good at something, especially something I want to be really good at too. Thanks for making this for all of us.
You're welcome!
Alf, I enjoyed every word you've spoken. My career relates exactly to yours. I also have that packrat mentality and rescued the most valuable thrown-away stuff to create master pieces.
Great story! Thanks for interviewing him, Brad. He definitely had me hooked at the beginning since I'm in law school right now too, haha. I completely understand the sentiment.
-Caleb Harris
Well now you just have to drop out and start a 25 employee company :)
Great! I would love to spend a day rummaging thru that shop
This was fantastic! More of this please!
Thanks, Jonathan!
you can tell a great craftsman at our age by his fingers ......have them all !
If you intention was to draw attention to a remarkable craftsman, you have accomplished the task. I'd never heard of Alf Sharp before, but now I want to know more.
Check out his McIntyre dresser build. It will blow your mind.
Great journey story, hats off to the video producers
This man makes me smile
He is the nicest guy in person too, and I really dig his wooden bow-ties! Great video!
+Doug Lawrence Woodworking he sure is, Doug!
Very well done Brad. What a great story. Art seems like a VERY talented and humble man. Really enjoyed it.
Thank, Gary! It was a great experience.
Very nice video. I’ve always followed this gentlemen from a certain distance, but knowing the behind the scenes and in his own shop, very nice episode. Thanks for the video
+Bruno Quesnel so glad you knew of Alf! He is not known as widely as he should be.
Wow! Very interesting! I never heard of Alf Sharp but we have a lot in common, like his story is my story, and we're abouot the same age, 70, and I also had a TR3. My pieces were originals not antique copies (Los Angeles/Hollywood stuff), but he has better tools than I, and I never had more than one employee, and he probably made more money than I did. But I can identify with him! Good luck Alf! (Sounds Norwegian, like me).
This was completely unexpected and a really really great story.
+Kirby Weldon thanks, Kirby!
Howdy from Oregon, Alf. Nice cozy wood shop, self-realized man, with expert skills, - carpenters' bliss!
Love the clawfoot leg, wish you would have shown the finished piece.
+Barry Kaine yeah, me too! But it was basically the same as this www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/newport-tea-table-alf-sharp
I wish to god to mentor like u god bless thanks again
Really enjoyed watching that and hearing the backstory.
Dear Sir -- I just "stumbled" on the story of your craftsman journey it is an impressive and inspiring story. I only wish that I had the skills necessary to accomplish your achievements. Good going and continue your passion, Happy New Year.
Great video and a wonderful thing to think on. Thanks for doing this interview and sharing with us.
+Ryan Chisum thanks, Ryan!