But I can't believe it. I saw him in the bank yesterday. He's using a walker and didn't recognize me at first. Once he did he's like, your the guy who did those long canoe trips. I asked if he was unable to go down into his shop. He's like, I have to... I have orders to fill. I'm guessing he isn't but I wouldn't put it past him. His saws inspired some others and I was glad I got to see him the last few years. I'm going to research him a little... now in his nineties and barely able to walk he has that certain spunk... that desire to be busy... he wasn't a paddler himself, but he had his own passions as a craftsman and such. I believe he was a WWll fighter pilot. He had an article out when I first met him where the Hibbing paper featured him in an article where he made a wind sail and would sail across Swan Lake on snow skis. Sad to see people when their health is failing them. It is though inspiring to still see the spark in their eyes. Our old friend Greg knew I think he'd never paddle again, but he kept that hope to almost the end. Our friend Amok was the same way. He was probably best equipped to take that last trip he never took because of that hope. Sorry for the ramble, but just sharing how I feel guys like these are inspiring and all. Many people here have kept me inspired, I'm greatful to know such people. Maybe how we show hope as we move forward will inspire those behind us. My Bob Dust rude saw will always remind me of that.

How fortunate you are to know someone like him. I always enjoy meeting people who invent and innovate. The outdoors has a lot of people like that.

I should buy one of those saws......

Thanks for the update Ben. Intresting saw. FRED

I have one of his saws and I love it. Light, simple, durable, and effective. What more do you need in a canoe tripping saw.

Good ramble Ben!

quote pswith5: "Good ramble Ben!"

I learne to drive in a rambler.

love the story. I have one of his saws. Its a keeper

Did he offer up any saw safety "table saw" tips Ben?

quote nctry: "

quote pswith5: "Good ramble Ben!"

I learne to drive in a rambler."

Ya, me too. A '64 American 3 spd stick on the column. Grew up in Kenosha - home of "da Motors" (AMC). Sorry for going OT but this post brought back old memories.

quote KevinL: "Did he offer up any saw safety "table saw" tips Ben?"

Yes, don't cut off any more fingers. After all it was a handle for my saw I was trying to improve when it happened.

In case you are like me and you've never heard of these saws before, here's a link:
bob-dustrude/quick-buck-21-inch-saw-1696

quote nctry: "

quote KevinL: "Did he offer up any saw safety "table saw" tips Ben?"

Yes, don't cut off any more fingers. After all it was a handle for my saw I was trying to improve when it happened."

I thought that's what you told me.