Nika and young Darcy

Nathan Hunter, the Blade Medic, was one of Toronto's premiere knife sharpeners. He sadly passed away in a fatal motorcycle accident on his way to study more sharpening. He is survived by his wife Nika and two-year-old son Darcy.

The purpose of this go fund me is to show Nika and Darcy the same kindness and community that Nate showed others. It will not bring Nate back, but it will ease the road ahead.

My name is Theo and I am a friend of the late Nathan Hunter. Nathan and I met under the strangest of circumstances. He was running a bar on the Danforth in Toronto and I was working as a performing musician. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, we were both plunged into the new reality of lockdowns and both decided to go into knife sharpening. We ended up meeting in a parking lot to trade notes and compare equipment and techniques.

The lot was completely empty except for the two of us because of the lockdowns. We parked in the far corner, a battered white ambulance and my car. He had just finished installing batteries the night before and was excited to show it off, except there was one hitch. He had plugged it in overnight to charge, and Nate's parents were in town visiting and saw that something had been left plugged in. In their desire to help they figured it should be unplugged and in doing so, Nate left the house with a near-empty battery. He was both livid and embarrassed!

I always remember Nate’s smile and his charm. That was the first thing you noticed - a biker’s silhouette with a black denim vest and bandana, work boots, and huge beard, but above all an ear-to-ear grin. He was always laughing and smiling, and his ability to speak on any topic with insight and his keen observation of detail meant he was at ease speaking with anyone. You instantly liked him.

Over the next year, Nate’s business grew and became wildly successful. He went from not being able to afford a decal for the truck to having custom logos printed on the side. We stayed in contact and helped each other whenever we could, loaning belts and supplies to each other when either of us ran short. Nate was a man of community and brought people together. He truly understood the power of relationships.

Nate was just hitting his stride when he was prematurely taken from us. More than that he was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and beloved son. Nate died doing what he loved. Your donation will go toward helping Nika and Darcy with their practical concerns while their spirits heal.