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James Krenov: Virtuoso in Words and Wood

Jon Binzen, senior editor

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James Krenov, who died at 88 on September 9th, was one of the most influential furnituremakers of the 20th century. His four books, beginning with A Cabinetmaker's Notebook, became touchstones for many woodworkers and have sold nearly half a million copies. Krenov’s message was even more powerful in person, and the 23 spots in the College of the Redwoods furnituremaking program where Krenov taught for 25 years were competed for by people from across the country and around the world.

Born to Russian parents, Krenov lived in Alaska and Seattle as a boy. After World War II, he went to Sweden, where he studied under furniture designer Carl Malmsten, and met his wife, Britta. They lived in Stockholm for two decades, moving to the U.S. in the 70s and settling on the coast in Ft. Bragg, California.

James Krenov Fine Woodworking interviews and articles • NEW: Tea with James Krenov by Michael Pekovich • NEW ONLINE: James Krenov profile from Home Furniture • NEW: Preview of Krenov-inspired articles in our next issue • A Conversation with James Krenov by Anatole Burkin • View a photo slideshow of work by James Krenov • VIDEO: James Krenov on the Record  • Cabinetmaker's Notebook by James Krenov (excerpt from the book)  • Making Music with a Plane by James Krenov  • Showcase Cabinets by James Krenov  • Doweling by James Krenov (excerpt from The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking)

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UPDATE: Book Giveaway: Shop Drawings for Greene & Greene Furniture by Robert W. Lang

Comments (11)

modernist writes: You changed my life, thank you.
Posted: 8:45 am on October 14th

tpjay writes: I can only repeat what many others have said - thank you so much for sharing this treasure. We will miss him for sure - but when i next step back from a piece that has surpassed my expectations I too will smile and remember his voice and how lucky I am.

Trevor
Posted: 4:44 pm on September 23rd

PryorRick writes: That was very inspirational for me. I never would have thought to many people admit to being lucky. I have often said after finishing a piece, (to myself), that worked out better than I planed. After watching this clip, I know from now on when I think about being "lucky" I will think of Mr. James Krenov and I'm sure, a little smile will cross my face. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Posted: 1:46 pm on September 23rd

chuckh writes: I distinctly remember reading his book and thinking to myself, I didn't know anyone thought about wood like that.
Thank you Jonathan for capturing and sharing that moment.

-Chuck
Posted: 12:42 pm on September 23rd

chuckh writes: I find it interesting that after writing "The Cabinetmaker's Notebook", he received hundreds of letters from people saying that they thought they were the only one who thought about wood like that. I distinctly remember reading his book and thinking to myself, I didn't know anyone thought about wood like that.
Thank you Jonathan for capturing and sharing that moment.

-Chuck
Posted: 12:41 pm on September 23rd

chuckh writes: I find it interesting that after writing "The Cabinetmaker's Notebook", he received hundreds of letters from people saying that they thought they were the only one who thought about wood like that. I distinctly remember reading his book and thinking to myself, I didn't know anyone thought about wood like that.
Thank you Jonathan for capturing and sharing that moment.

-Chuck
Posted: 12:40 pm on September 23rd

lynxfox writes: From Russia with Memori and Love for J.Krenov.
Thank you, mr.Binzen!

Sergey

Posted: 8:32 am on September 23rd

B.L. Zeebub writes: Great piece. It's always nice to have a voice to go along with the face. I give credit for Mr. Krenov's books as early inspiration for my own entree into woodworking. He and Norm Abrams. HA! I know some would see that as mixing the sublime with the profane but you gotta give props where they're due.

Thank you, Mr. Binzen.

always,
Zee
Posted: 8:18 am on September 23rd

TinaK writes: What a wonderful gift! THANK YOU for sharing it!!
Posted: 10:15 pm on September 22nd

TinaK writes: This is a link to a beautifully written article from an Australian magazine: http://www.woodreview.com.au/krenov.html
Posted: 10:05 pm on September 22nd

Koonan writes: Jon,

Thank you for sharing that with us. It was great to hear more of James's thoughts and views in his own voice. It is a real treasure.

Mike

Posted: 3:12 pm on September 22nd

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