The Friend Who Revolutionized My Thinking 

So it turns out that the guy who is always sitting in a chair & seems to do the least in the videos is actually the most accomplished person in the video. Incredible workmanship.

Has stroke, can’t read or use right hand anymore. Ken - “Finally a challenge.”

its so nice to see you show your love and respect for this man. true friends are hard to find. and he knows you are that to him

Im literally fighting tearing up a bit. Blown away by all of it, the craftsmanship, the story, the friendship, the respect. Long live people of this caliber

Men like yourselves are national treasures. Both for your skill, but also your characters.

I had a brain aneurysm rupture (SAH) 12 years ago when i was 28. I had been a roofer since I was a teenager and I had no insurance so I ended up just dragging myself back up the ladder and starting again. I wasnt going to lose my home but their were plenty of times i wondered what am I doing. There were a few times I thought i was going to lose consciousness so Id jam myself between stacks bundles so I couldnt just roll off. I have regained my faculties and having to relearn reading made me understand and appreciate communication so much more. For the 1st few years I carried a dictionary everywhere I knew the words but they were just unfamilar very odd feeling. Nice to know other people keep going too it is the best rehab and plus if you can just fall over and die at any moment there is no time for pity partys.

I have followed this channel since it had about 300 followers. I never comment on videos... I am a no body to most everyone on here and this has minimal context but damn... Scott Wadsworth will go down as one of the best men that ever lived in my opinion. A channel that was originally founded around the concept of appreciating craft caused me to have the willingness to buy a house that needed to be fixed up in its entirety. And because of these videos, a millenial has essnetially remolded an entire home. Thanks Scott. You wisdom is unreal.

Such a beatifull home, this level of carpentry is very humbling, thank you for sharring,

So, Pipe Guy is a master craftsman!! omg i thought he was just "hanging with the boys" when the boys were hanging with HIM

as a gift for graduating high school my parents gave me a choice of going to Cancun with my friends or the money to rebuild the motor that was to go into the camaro I was restoring. I chose the latter. My father connected me to a older gentleman that spent most of the summer teaching me how to build my motor. I had to follow his instructions to the T, as he was not able to help.. He had lost function in his entire right side, the right side of his face even drooped and his speech was greatly impaired.. due to severe stroke. I suppose this was his way of being able to follow his passion while helping someone at the same time.

People who think in details can really comprehend and appreciate the details.

See, you never know what a man has done or where he's been on face value alone.

I came intending to just watch enough to get Ken's back story. 26 minutes later, I am wishing there was more.

Hey Dad, great to see you highlighted in this video. I'm proud of how far you've come since the stroke and getting back into all your craftsman work. One question though: when are you going to get the closet doors done in my room? It's only been 22 years since we moved in :)

Astonishing man. Even in his diminished capacities, he has 10 times the skills of an ordinary man. He must have a wonderful wife too, keeping that bright light burning steady.

this is one of those WOW moments we never seem to get enough of. This is the kind of story we need to see everyday.

I'm a carpenter. I imagine this is what heaven looks like.

The level of kindness, love, and respect you pay your friend is heartwarming. Thank you for bringing in sunshine through this video.

I've watched this video three times because it is so inspirational. Wishing Ken and his wife a long, happy life together.

To say I needed to see this video today would be an understatement. I was just diagnosed with MS, and feeling my senses and strength falter and slip away over the last couple months has left me feeling sorry for myself, to an extent I didn’t know possible. Watching what your friend has accomplished, lost, and then come back from brought me to tears. Your appreciation for him and his work is moving. I feel like there is hope now where an hour ago I was nearly in tears sitting in my shop, looking around at tools I just knew I wouldn’t be able to use much longer. Thank you EC, I’m not going to give up.

I’m not crying, I have some dust in my eye...... A man that respects and honors another’s craftsmanship is a true master of his own....

Could anyone possible conceive of a finer answer for "who's that guy sitting around smoking a pipe in all your videos?" I certainly could not and immensely respect both Ken and Scott for taking the time to share such a personal journey.

Ken Jordan is the definition of when HUMBLE meets PRIDE

Almost brings a tear to the eye. Absolutely beautiful. The work is so far beyond me, that I am just looking on in awe. The time and dedication, skill level, love, the sheer bloody will power, it is amazing. That is a work of art. Then add in that you guys come across and true gentlemen, and the obvious respect and friendship. Great video.

Great way to honor your friend, he has a strong will that is seeing him through. An Artist as well.

At one point you said the video was getting long. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I was hoping for another hour. An even deeper delve, in the future, wouldn't hurt my feelings any. Beautiful! Scott, you are blessed to have such a friend; and he you.

You have a beautiful friend in a beautiful person there. Im trying to rebuild my life and watching this kind of thing simultaneously gives me hope and reminds me what people are capable of. My very, very best to all of you. X

WE all need a friend to talk about us like he just did for his friend with the stroke

Longtime follower, patreon participant, and woodworker...I must tell you Scott and Nate that this was such a moving tribute to a fellow craftsman and good friend. I don't mind saying that I could hardly see the screen through my tears as Scott eloquently marveled at the past and current accomplishments by Ken. Greene & Greene style is unique and my, my, how Ken has perfected the elements! Every new video is so much more than just "how to." Love the broad view perspective on the deeply personal and highly skilled, with the occasional reference to the philosophical roots of thinkers millenia ago....this inspires me beyond words to shape wood for others coming after me. Thank you all, with a special nod to Ken today.

RU-vid content really doesn’t get any better than this. Outstanding 👏👏👏

That Greene & Greene style is amazing! I get a sense of Frank Lloyd Wright meets Craftsman and elope to Japan and have a love child... Ken has what we Finns call "Sisu", the intestinal fortitude, guts, grit or determination to go on no matter what. He is truly an inspiration! I think when Nate finally slows down a bit from building big projects, he will find the allowable tolerances will get smaller as the projects get smaller. I can see him making furniture or machining, along with the blacksmithing. He will do it well!

Now Dear Sir, he is the true definition of a Master Craftsman! Bless his heart. Thanks for sharing him and some of his story with us.

As a woodworker and a retired vocational rehabilitation therapist, your video stirred many emotions. Congratulations on your presentation as well as Ken’s transparency. The goal of rehabilitation, often misunderstood, is maximum utilization of remaining skills and not 100% of former capabilities. Ken might not fill our minds with speech, but our hearts with determination. Keep up the good work!

Thank you for sharing this! As a "young" guy in his mid 30's who just found out I might have cancer and have been questioning if there's any point to doing much of anything anymore , I needed this today.

I'm a carpenter. I've been one since 1986. Watching this homage to your good friend is heartwarming and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Gosh only a carpenter could really fully appreciate all the details and all the work put into this place.

Let Ken’s experience with his stroke serve as a lesson to everyone: If you ever have any signs or symptoms of a stroke call 911. Don’t wait, don’t go to bed, go to the ER. The ambulance will get you there quicker than you can get yourself and if there is a choice of hospital they will take you to the right one. Time is brain; don’t wait.

As a stroke survivor, THANK YOU for this video and telling Kens story. Every day is a blessing. What each of us does everyday, gives us a chance to make the world a better place (for ourselves, our loved ones and our friends and neighbors). Work safe. Stay healthy. Be kind.

7:53 sir, you never need to worry about being over the top…being over the top is what allows this channel to exist, the excellence of attention to detail is what draws us in. Thank you

At first I felt sorry for Ken, it after watching this I am inspired by him. I have a genetic degenerative disease that effects my eyes, lungs, and joints, which, at 37 years old, it can be difficult when I lose the abilities I once had. People like Ken let me know that I can always find new ways to be productive

Thank you , thank you, thank you, Scott, for introducing us to Ken, and bringing us into his home. The artistry in the wood, both the lumber and the living gardens, is magnificent. Ken’s story of success in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

When your hobby is your home, all is right with the world. Nice to meet Ken.

You show it's ok to compliment and admire another man for his skills without feeling inferior. At the beginning, i love the shot where he had his hand on Jordan's shoulder. That's a friendly, manly, show of true affection where today young, and middle aged men reject. Also, the amount of compliments through this channel to men who know things, is such an immense absence of ego and we need that. Society needs that. Thank you for showing young men it's ok to compliment other men without looking inferior.

Oh my gosh! Never knew until right now, I've built a few green structures, the last one being a lovely very high ceiling glass - guesthouse in our back property all from recycled old big Timbers, big 8' glass sliding door window panes making up double insulation glass walls, and big transoms, no screws no nails anywhere, all open exposed and highlighted wood joints, Wood dowel pins. All free and discarded material. What an absolute joy it is to build like this. What a fantastic RU-vid channel Essential Craftsman is. Now I'm stuck binging on the EC channel.

This is by far my favorite video on RU-vid. I realized as it progressed that I was going to have to watch it several times for 2 reasons. 1 the details being crammed in deserve much careful consideration. 2 my eyes kept getting blurry from tears. I found myself asking why they were there. My answers? The compassion, the loss, the triumph, the dedication, the education, the unparalleled craftsmanship, the staggering number of ways that some of the most beautiful parts of nature were married into elements that would showcase them in loving and respectful fashion for at least several lifetimes worth of enjoyment... the obvious deep friendship of 2 giants among men... the list goes on. I had casually slipped into watching the video thinking “oh nice, something new from Scott.. this looks like it ought to be refreshing”. I was not prepared to see evidence of a majority of the components I’ve accumulated and culminated into an internal vision of what I’d like my life to look like in order for me to feel like a grown, accomplished, successful man. I am bowled over. The thought of being surrounded by your best efforts. Efforts embarked upon to fit honorable priorities, to praise God’s creations, to enrich a lifetime with those you love, to bless and enrich the lifetimes of those attached to and stemming from your love long after you’re gone. Man oh man am I behind... What extraordinary examples and inspirations you are! I hope to be able to ball all that I took from this and so many more EC videos into an amazingly dense orb of inspiration and energy. One that I can use as an alarm clock each day I’m granted to serve as a mental cup of coffee to kick my butt into high gear. It’s so fulfilling to see so many lives lived so very well. I’m a long winded son of a gun. Please know that what I’ve dribbled out here is my version of speechless in contrast to what I’ve absorbed. I thank you yet again!

Not only is the actual House just absolutely Stunning (but I'm a sucker for all things "Craftsman"), but so is Ken. He IS the Man that all of us WANT to be.

I've seen a lot of your videos, and I like them all. Each one is a jewel box of understanding and expression, glowing with resonant authenticity and filled with surprising discoveries. In this one you've outdone yourself; an awe-inspiring homage to unsurpassable craft, to unshakable perseverance, and to your friend Ken. Excellence ascends to it's own level, and in this one I see Masterworks, all around. Thank You both.

I wasn't expecting to get a little misty eyed watching this video. I'm a grown man for Pete's sake! When I saw Mr. Jordan favoring his right arm and limiting his words, I knew what that was all about! I watched my father courageously battle back from several strokes which left him severely limited in his abilities. He was a true craftsman and one of the best finish carpenters around. He sure would have loved your videos. He was a man who took unparalleled pride in his work product too. God bless you sir for being a true friend to Mr. Jordan. May God grant Mr. Jordan many more years.

That house will be a historical house for generations. I don’t think most people understand how difficult woodwork like that is. Ken’s talent is breathtaking. As a woodworker, I would do anything to be able to spend an entire day visiting that house and gardens.

Pure inspiration. I've always wondered about the man with the pipe; now I'll never see him the same way again. Thank you.

As an Occupational Therapist that has worked for several years with stroke and head injury, it is wonderful to see your friend recover. He is fortunate to have preserved his frontal lobe, making him safe with tools and still able to meet the challenges of problem solving. It seems that his love of making, creating, and restoring is so strong that it was a driving force behind his recovery (this is the philosophy behind TRUE occupational therapy). Now, being a woodworker and a big fan of Greene and Greene for several years, I loved seeing his work in wood, masonry, and gardening. Love it. What he was able to enjoy in his life (and STILL enjoy) is my dream, which I will not be able to realize. I absolutely love to work with my hands and mind. To build and make things that fit my philosophy of real living. Even though he got hit hard with the stroke, he has had a wonderful life.

You two gentelman are absolutely amazing people, craftsmen, friends, and true inspirational treasures. I appreciate everything you share with us on this channel

I already liked him when he was simply "pipe guy", now I am just amazed at his story and inspired by what he has accomplished both before and after the stroke. Thank you for sharing your friend's story with us.

Hats off to your friend. Having a stroke and still will not stop. Alot of people after have a medical condition like that would just stop. No he pushes on. Great work he has done and continues to do. May he have many many more great and wonderful years.

Thank you for introducing Ken and showing his incredible craftsmanship. Wow!! Both Ken and Elaina (sp) are incredible people.

I have always appreciated your videos since happening on to them...that being said this is my favorite. I'm glad you have found and appreciate such a friend. And not that it matters, but this is my one and only comment I've ever made on the hundreds of videos I've watched. Thank you for your time and effort you put into these videos.

da*m u guys. i had a stroke a year ago at 58. was paralysed on left side and now im able to run as part of my rehab. my emotions have changed since my stroke and i cry when watching stories like this when b4 i was a stone and never shed a tear. im crying during the video and after.....i hate crying

As a so called professional Carpenter for 40 years I totally agree Ken is on another level. Few craftsmen in history ever attain this degree of skill. The house is kind of dark and imposing but showcases his joy and understanding of wood and superb quality of construction. Life isn't fair when a man of his talent and vision gets hit by a stroke and others that have no desire to do anything and achieve nothing retain good health. His come back accomplishments prove he still hasn't lost his drive and passion and not least his skills. Amazing man in an amazing house.

As a new head and neck cancer has affected my life in ways I couldn't or wouldn't see. Crafting with wood has brought 🔥 back into my life. Always show kindness and kindness should always be around you!

You know, so few folks have the soul to do things to perfection. And fewer folks appreciate it when they see it, most having failed to see it at all. Kudos to BOTH of you for the inspiration.

Little over a year ago I did a carpenters tour of the Gamble House, left shaking my head in disbelief thinking that level of craftsmanship and material is unmatched today in the hurry up get it done cheap mentality of building now. Then this video. The Gamble House was built in a relatively short amount of time by several craft trades workers, Ken is all of those people in one person. To say unbelievably amazing is not even close to his accomplishments in addition to the other skills he has mastered and mastering! If Ken was watching over my work with his discerning eye it would have me shaking in my boots, you are a brave man Scott, I guess confident too. In the Gamble House staircase they purposely left a flaw as a symbol of man's imperfections, for Ken there is no need to duplicate that detail, he is an inspiration for a multitude of reasons to say the least. Thank you for this video.

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 20:5. You’ve produced quite an honoring biography here, EC. Well done.

A truly amazing guy, with skills in so many areas and the strength of character to make lemonade out of the lemons with which life has supplied him.

17.ish you said that words: "this is already a long video." Sorry it can't be to long. What a house what a builder and both of you gents, what a inspiration! Please make more together. Good luck and thanks.

Thanks for introducing us to your friend. He doesn't need to talk, his workmanship speaks for itself.

You just can’t help some people with their bitterness. For someone to dislike this inspirational video just baffles me. If you are not interested in these men’s friendship and Mr. Kens ability to out work most guys I currently work with after having a stroke, just simply turn the video off and go do something that you may find joy in, but to dislike this video is mind boggling.

I watched this 3 years ago and went searching for it because I needed to see that beautiful house and hear Ken's story again. This is the type of stuff the makes me want to make the best out of life and the time we're given.

I am in awe of this man's talent. Truly phenomenal career and comeback from adversity. It's devastating to see anyone giving a video about such a talented individual a thumbs down. What could possibly be the reason for not appreciating such a story. Jealousy, contempt, envy... Maybe arrogance and stupidity fit best. A big thumbs up from from me!!

Master craftsman... that's quite the understatement. What an amazing friend you have.

Simple recognition by a peer and a friend is all one needs to justify his labor.

Thank you Scott, for your tribute to Ken Jordan and Elena's beautiful home! What a blessing to learn of this man and his artistry and drive.

That garden is beautiful and so is the house, *VERY* well done.

This is the wholesomeness I've needed for a long time. And this man's work makes me feel like a second rate hack. And Scott's giddiness is absolutely infectious. This is what true friendship looks like.

While I cannot really afford the level of quality of craftsmanship that goes into these videos, I am saddened a lot of this knowledge and skill will someday be lost. I wish there were more craftsmen like these two men to really improve how the world is built.

I have watched your videos for years and always wondered who the guy "sitting and standing around not working" was, somehow missed this vid entirely until now. What an absolute legend and inspiration Mr. Ken is.

Dear Ken Jordan... I have no real words to express how I feel. Your hands are beautiful, your spirit is shining through you and your entire home. You are so incredible and such an inspiration. Thank you for being you and for never giving up.

Based on that library, I think I know the source of Ken's tenacity and strength.

When I see "dislikes" on a video like this I am certain the accidently hit the wrong button. Much respect to Ken. Thanks for this.

Strokes are nasty things. My mother had two makor strokes. She came back from the first one. The second one took her away from me forever. My hat's off to your friend who even after a major stroke is a better craftsman than many of us. The house and garden are beyond words.

Your appreciation for quality craftmanship has led you to Ken...and better, a good friend!

I have to say, this is the most interesting and touching video I have ever seen on RU-vid. That house and the grounds are as amazing as Ken. Thank you for bringing this to us.

Wow!!! Incredible work. Everything beautifully done, and I just love the entire theme or style! Well done Ken and thanks for inviting us to your home!

The character, respect, and love of people so committed to both their craft, and to the meaningful relationships in their lives. Seeing legacy happening. God bless, may he fully recover, and continued beautiful life for him and his bride.

Sorry to hear about your friend's medical challenges, however it is wonderful to see your friendship and support for your good friend. Cheers from Canada.

At 4:17, my favorite line, “appreciate the value of perfect as an allowable tolerance”

I’m speechless. This house can make a grown man cry.

This man is a rare breed. Strong, determined and crazy skills!! 🙏🏼

After 35 years of working in the airline industry I'm currently recovering from right shoulder surgery and will soon have surgery on my left shoulder. On top of that I may need lower back surgery if PT doesn't work. With the support of my wonderful wife I have no doubt it won't be long before I'm back working in my shop. This video serves as inspiration and proves how powerful the mind can be even if the body has limitations. Keep up the good work!

Kenny has had the stroke and Scott says “help me out what’s it called?” And Kenny answers - Classic love this channel thank you Scott.

Everything is custom cut, roundovered, sanded, finished and jointed. Grandmaster level work.

Here I am, 38 years old and practically in tears at your beautiful friendship. Its amazing to me the things that change in your life and how the shift of importance works as you get older. Learning a lot from your channel... even some about myself. Thank you for your authenticity and the great ensemble of meaningful content that you have put together for us.

A fine tribute to an overcoming, faithful soul who leaves nothing on the field, as it were.

Today was cold. -15, felt like -21. I had to fix someone else’s work. But after seeing this. It wasn’t that bad.

That is beautiful. My mom had a stroke some years back. One of her biggest passions is gardening. So the very first thing she did when she got home was tend to her plants.

Holy moley! It took me about 10 minutes to understand that this wasn't a Greene and Greene home and that you were standing next to the craftsman who built it. Such excellence and beauty. Thank you for sharing it.

I watched your whole series of the house build with my husband. He is a fine detail Craftsman too. This is my favorite video that you made. It doesn't teach us anything about house building, except shoot for the best, but it shows a great friendship, and I love that most of all.

Ken is an absolute genius! He is an inspiration to us all and what better form of occupational therapy for rehabilitation than what you love. Thank you Scott for bringing this video of triumph over adversity to my attention and I will share this story with my patients. Continued good health and further recovery to Ken and I look forward to seeing the “supervisor” in more of your videos. Keep up the good work and best wishes from Ireland.

Ken is a very brave man for having an episode about him like this, and a strong man and clearly a great friend of yours for letting you speak for him. Love your content.

This guy's work is amazing (and desire for quality and perfection/ level of detail). At 17:46 those lateral boards look like Hawaiian Koa. Most of this wood is musical instrument grade (and looks like a lot of heartwood/ clear heart). I have a Koa Martin Guitar I paid almost $13,000 for made from similar looking Hawaiian Koa. I also have a Walnut body guitar (Taylor) which looks similar to a lot of that Walnut. But this house (and his skills) look to be priceless. He is a master craftsman. And that property, those gardens/ grounds/ landscaping/ landscape architecture, are on another level entirely.

I don’t own a house, never cared to own a house, don’t make enough to ever buy one, never appreciated architecture....but man I was in awe of the craftsmanship of this house. The wooden stairs was gorgeous.