About this season
In A Craftsman’s Legacy, host Eric Gorges goes on a quest to discover the true craftsmen in today's world. Traveling across the country, Gorges interviews the men and women responsible for carrying the tools, trades and traditions of fine craftsmanship into the 21st century.
Episodes (13)
1. The Sandcaster
Aired 1 October 2016 • 26 min
Nothing fires up host Eric Gorges like working with molten metal! In this episode, Eric and master sand caster Scott Nelles, create a bronze and aluminum ray gun.
2. The Yarn Spinner
Aired 8 October 2016 • 26 min
This episode is all about hoof to hat. Meet Maple Smith, a retired schoolteacher who raises her own alpacas, shears their coats, and spins yarn. Eric gets out of his comfort zone and starts knitting!
3. The Puppet Maker
Aired 17 September 2016 • 26 min
Hey dummy! In this episode host Eric Gorges visits famous master ventriloquist puppet maker, Tim Selberg. Here we get to see the behind the scenes genius of creating the intricate (and maybe magical) mechanization process of puppet making.
4. The Duck Decoy Maker
Aired 24 September 2016 • 26 min
Duck! Here come some of the most exquisitely carved duck decoys host Eric Gorges ever laid eyes on! Meet Ben Heinemann, master carver, who teaches Eric a thing or two about the real thing.
5. The Tool Maker
Aired 1 October 2016 • 26 min
Seth Gould could easily be called one of the rock-stars of metalsmithing. Host Eric Gorges heads South to the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and the famed Penland School of Crafts to learn from this amazing craftsman. In this episode Eric and Seth make a breathtaking hammer.
6. The Chocolatiers
Aired 8 October 2016 • 26 min
In this episode host Eric Gorges meets Dan and Jael Rattigan at their chocolate factory in Asheville, NC. The Rattigan’s truly craft from bean to bar, letting Eric live out his lifetime dream of working with chocolate.
7. The Flute Maker
Aired 15 October 2016 • 26 min
Geri Littlejohn has been making Native American style flutes for over 20 years. Host Eric Gorges and Geri start with a simple piece of bamboo and end with what she likes to call a “sacred musical gift of art.”
8. The Soap Maker
Aired 22 October 2016 • 26 min
Host Eric Gorges and master soap maker, Deb Kraemer, stir it up with essential oils and herbs. For a guy who likes to get his hands dirty, Eric cleans up nicely!
9. The Cooper
Aired 29 October 2016 • 26 min
Think handmade wooden buckets a thing of the past? Cooper Jim Gaster keeps the craft alive and well. His buckets were recently in The Revenant. Host Eric Gorges and Jim make a bucket – no leaks!
10. The Master Penman
Aired 5 November 2016 • 26 min
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.
11. The Ceramist
Aired 12 November 2016 • 26 min
Host Eric Gorges throws down! Master ceramist David MacDonald shares his magnificent talents with Eric as they work with clay and make a bowl.
12. The Fly Rod Makers
Aired 19 November 2016 • 26 min
Host Eric Gorges and master bamboo fly rod makers, Jeff Wagner and Casimira Orlowski, make a rod together, underscoring Eric’s belief that “a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.”
13. The Metal Shaper
Aired 26 November 2016 • 26 min
We’re switching it up! Host becomes the guest as master metal shaper Eric Gorges is the featured master craftsman, letting master blacksmith Lorelei Sims (Season 1) do the interviewing while they heat it up and make a motorcycle fender.