It has been reported David Charlesworth has died

Re: It has been reported David Charlesworth has died

That's a sad thing.....I didn't have much interaction with him.....knew about the ruler trick in sharpening......but, he was a pillar to hand tool woodworking and interesting to watch......I learned from him on those occasions when I did watch a video from him and I know he had the respect of many of the others in woodworking that I have followed more closely.

Re: It has been reported David Charlesworth has died

That's sad news--I feel like I've lost a friend. David was an inspiring craftsman and an excellent teacher. I knew him through his videos, online discussions in woodworking forums, and a few email exchanges. Sorry to hear he's gone.

Re: It has been reported David Charlesworth has died

Chris Schwarz posted a very nice eulogy on his blog:  https://blog.lostartpress.com/

I had the occasional correspondence with David over a few decades, and he was always warm and thoughtful. Considering that I consider him one of the more influential writers and thinkers on woodworking technique over the past 30 plus years, he was also unpretentious and quite open to learning new tricks. While many associate his “Ruler Trick” with David, I always think of his measure approach when explaining technique, along with his incredible patience. 

Regards from Perth

Derek

well said

Your description matches my interaction with him.  He was gracious on this Forum and in correspondence.  I have never watched one of his presentations, but I suspect he was an excellent teacher.  

Re: It has been reported David Charlesworth has died

David was really the spark that started it all for me. After buying my first home I bought a Footprint plane and picked up his first book to help me do the trim. The plane went quickly but his writing has stayed with me. I learned that I could use a business card to measure and adjust, and that I could know how thick a shaving was just by looking at it, and that I could use that knowledge in turn to make surfaces square and flat without even using a measuring tool. He taught me that simplicity can lead to the highest standards, and that I should settle for nothing less. As others have mentioned he was kind and generous with his knowledge on the forums, never petty or curt in his responses. I am truly saddened that he is gone.

Re: It has been reported David Charlesworth has died

I read his books and looked at his videos.  He seemed without ego, which is always a good starting point for a teacher, and he was beautiful, which helps, even if people should want to pretend it does not.

As a backhanded but sincere complement, I remember how completely he convinced many on this board that only a cambered blade could move a board's edge to square.  (Not sure he ever said that, actually).  He so completely convinced others, that it was a thing for a while.  But it showed how effective his teaching was, how usable his innovations were, and how much his experience as a teacher was on point with the details people needed at the time to advance.  Cambered blades are "good things", and both he and Odate where trying to bring them a wider audience at the time.

It is nice to hear from people who knew him that he was as nice a person as his ready smile suggested.