Duane's Knife

osoverride

osoverride

Joined
Dec 11, 2022
Messages
234
My friend Duane, also known as Sitflyer, recently passed away. I met him through BladeForums when he reached out to me after seeing my traditional knife wishlist for 2023. As a backpacker, I'm always looking for gear that is lightweight and practical for my adventures, including knives. I had been searching for a traditional knife that was as robust as my old Mora knife but weighed the same or less. GEC had some great options in early 2023, but they were difficult to find. Duane saw my post and offered to gift me his GEC H30. I was reluctant to accept such a gift from a stranger, but anyone who knew Duane will tell you that he was a stubborn shit (just like myself). I eventually accepted his more than generous offer because I could tell that he really wanted his knife to go to me for some reason or another. He said that he wanted the knife to be put to "good use" rather than just sitting around collecting dust. He said that his knife "needed a warm hand to call home" and that was why he wouldn't take no for an answer. We became fast friends after that. Sadly, Duane passed away shortly thereafter leaving behind his new friend and his knife.

Duane's knife has replaced my old Mora and it will ride on my hip for as long as I am able. Since Duane meant so much to so many people here on BladeForums, I have decided that my travels with Duane's knife should be documented to honor Duane's wish. This thread will be where I share my adventures with Duane's knife in a kind of picture journal. As I adventure around with Duane's knife, I'll pop in with a picture of his knife and likely write a small description about its whereabouts. Feel free to follow along with me and comment on this thread as much as you like.

Duane had a life of rich stories and a great many friends. You can find stories about him from other friends and family at the link provided: HERE.
 
01/2023 - Red River Gorge, Kentucky

I traveled down to Kentucky from Michigan this month. I stayed at Koomers campground for the night and the next day hit the trails. The picture below is just one of many small trails that I put boot to trail on while in the Gorge. Duane's knife served me well both at camp and on trail. It cuts through steak like butter and it makes quick work of processing kindling.

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02/2023 - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

There is nothing like below zero temps to lure me out of the house. A blizzard came through Michigan earlier this month and so I decided to head up North to do some camping and some hiking. I wanted to go backpacking but my friend who came with hurt his leg so we made it a car camping trip. It was a great trip, but I'm feeling restless. I need to go backpacking soon.

Duane's knife keeps on impressing me. Most of its tasks in the frozen wasteland of the sand dunes where processing firewood and meal prep. It performs wonderfully at everything I throw at it.

022023-Sleeping-Bear-Dunes-National-Lakeshore.jpg
 
Yeah he was a generous guy
And the news of his passing came (well me finding out the news) just a day or two after I came home from my father's funeral. So it was a double whammy

I also have a couple of knives he gifted me when I was new here

The porch lost a grand member

And that h30 looks pretty sweet
I am fairly certain he would be pleased that it was getting used as it was intended to be
 
When I joined the traditional forum Duane (Sitflyer) was always a warm, respected, and ever present member of the porch. It saddens me greatly to hear of his passing and the loss to family and friends such as you.
Thank you for sharing the tales of your friendship and looking forward to your adventures with that wonderful gift! The H30 does look like a perfect companion and keepsake to remember such a great person.
 
05/2023 - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

It has been a few months since the last time I ventured out into the bush or down a trail. Too many months, in fact. Since the last post I posted here in February, I have made several drives in March to Michigan's Northern limits to chace the Aurora Lights. I was finally successful this year! Then in April, I took a small vacation in Miami to collect sea shells with my better half down in South Beach. All of my travels have been great, but there has been little need for Duane's knife on those trips. However, this month, May, I caught the hiking bug yet again. With the warmer weather pushing in across the Midwest, I couldn't help but fly South to visit a new National Park, Shenandoah.

I could feel Duane's presence with me in Shenandoah. It's funny, a knife to me has always been thought of as just a tool. It doesn't really matter how much it costs or how well it was crafted. All of those things are just characteristics that draw you to some knife or another. At the end of the day, it's just a cutting edge to help you perform some task. I don't think that anymore. Duane's knife isn't just some knife that was passed down to me by some generous stranger on his deathbed. It's a reminder every time I unsheath it and draw its edge to perform a task that life is about experiences. The experiences that shape who you are as a person, the people that we share those experiences with, and the experiences we make along the way. Duane left some of his experiences with me in this knife and every time I use it I add to that story with experiences of my own. Yet, I am but a man standing on the shoulders of a giant. Duane, wherever you may be, if anywhere at all, thank you for sharing with a small portion of your story, your experience, your life.

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Oh Man! 😞
How upsetting to hear this news, my mind has been elsewhere for some time and I saw your thread this morning and came in to have a look.

I had no idea that Duane had passed away - no idea at all. I am extremely sorry to hear this for you and his other friends here and Family.
I can see that knife is very precious to you, I know exactly how that feels, what a great tribute to Duane - that's very cool of you to reach out to us and share this story- as sad as it is. Thank you for letting us in and see that fantastic gift :thumbsup:
 
Actually, come to think of it - yes I do remember this terrible news when Jack posted it, there is a lot going on right now for me.

I know a lot of people thought very highly of Duane, I hope his family have friends and support close by, life is beautiful isn't it! but man it is so short so we have to concentrate on positive beautiful things and live life to the fullest, it looks like you are and carrying Duane's present to you along for the ride. Nice! :)
 
06/2023 - Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
06.2023 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

It has been a few months since I have posted. In that time, I have been traveling much the same as alway. Although, I haven't been spending much time in backpacking and camping. I spent July hanging out in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore chasing the Northern Lights (with little success) and shopping around in Traverse City. August has been spent training in the gym and in Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. In September I have a backpacking trip, so stay tuned for that, and a trip to Chicago which means Duane's knife will be left behind for something more urban friendly (and legal to carry). Back in June, however, I did get to stretch my legs a little. A friend and I went day hiking through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and then backpacked 46 miles through Isle Royale. Duane's knife never left my side during those trips and served me well in everything from fire prep, food prep, and cutting some gnarly brambles and other poky things out of my pants. Below are some general pictures from the trip with a quick showing from Duane's Knife's companion, a SAK Walker.

Isle Royale National Park
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
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osoverride said:
06/2023 - Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
06.2023 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

It has been a few months since I have posted. In that time, I have been traveling much the same as alway. Although, I haven't been spending much time in backpacking and camping. I spent July hanging out in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore chasing the Northern Lights (with little success) and shopping around in Traverse City. August has been spent training in the gym and in Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. In September I have a backpacking trip, so stay tuned for that, and a trip to Chicago which means Duane's knife will be left behind for something more urban friendly (and legal to carry). Back in June, however, I did get to stretch my legs a little. A friend and I went day hiking through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and then backpacked 46 miles through Isle Royale. Duane's knife never left my side during those trips and served me well in everything from fire prep, food prep, and cutting some gnarly brambles and other poky things out of my pants. Below are some general pictures from the trip with a quick showing from Duane's Knife's companion, a SAK Walker.

Isle Royale National Park
IMG-6473.jpg
IMG-6541.jpg
IMG-6550.jpg
IMG-6504.jpg

IMG-5097.jpg
IMG-6446.jpg
IMG-6472.jpg
IMG-6553.jpg
IMG-6653.jpg



Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
IMG-6246.jpg
IMG-6247.jpg
IMG-6276.jpg
IMG-6279.jpg
Click to expand...
Thank you this travelogue. It is a fitting tribute to Duane.

Zieg
 
osoverride said:
05/2023 - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

It has been a few months since the last time I ventured out into the bush or down a trail. Too many months, in fact. Since the last post I posted here in February, I have made several drives in March to Michigan's Northern limits to chace the Aurora Lights. I was finally successful this year! Then in April, I took a small vacation in Miami to collect sea shells with my better half down in South Beach. All of my travels have been great, but there has been little need for Duane's knife on those trips. However, this month, May, I caught the hiking bug yet again. With the warmer weather pushing in across the Midwest, I couldn't help but fly South to visit a new National Park, Shenandoah.

I could feel Duane's presence with me in Shenandoah. It's funny, a knife to me has always been thought of as just a tool. It doesn't really matter how much it costs or how well it was crafted. All of those things are just characteristics that draw you to some knife or another. At the end of the day, it's just a cutting edge to help you perform some task. I don't think that anymore. Duane's knife isn't just some knife that was passed down to me by some generous stranger on his deathbed. It's a reminder every time I unsheath it and draw its edge to perform a task that life is about experiences. The experiences that shape who you are as a person, the people that we share those experiences with, and the experiences we make along the way. Duane left some of his experiences with me in this knife and every time I use it I add to that story with experiences of my own. Yet, I am but a man standing on the shoulders of a giant. Duane, wherever you may be, if anywhere at all, thank you for sharing with a small portion of your story, your experience, your life.

IMG-5744.jpg
IMG-5818.jpg

3.jpg
2.jpg
1.jpg
Click to expand...

You are definitely doing such a fine gift justice - he would be pleased I'm sure.

Beautiful story and photos :)
 
Can't think of a better way of giving homage to a man who showed generosity. Literally, refreshing & exhilarating :cool:

Sadly, humans spend far too much time indoors these past few decades, the outdoors offers inspiration and even health, hope to see more of your wanderings . Perhaps some winter-time outings soon? :thumbsup:

Thanks, Will
 
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