Chris Moss isn’t just a co-founder of Dauntless Manufacturing—he’s a career machinist, a lifelong knife maker, and a designer whose blades reflect decades of skill, hard-earned experience, and a relentless pursuit of utility and form. With over 25 years in the knife world and roots in both traditional craftsmanship and high-precision machining, Chris has created some of Dauntless Manufacturing’s most iconic models.
Let’s take a closer look at the knives that carry his signature—from practical workhorses to award-winning blades.
The Moss
Versatile. Purpose-Built. Field-Ready.
The Moss is Chris’s namesake design—and for good reason. It embodies his design philosophy: make it simple, make it useful, and make it right. With a 2.7" blade and overall length of 7.125", the Moss punches well above its size. Available in both drop point and sheepsfoot blade styles, it’s ideal for field tasks, camping, and everyday carry.
Unique features include a ferro rod striking notch on the spine and a comfortable, compact grip. The variety of scale materials—like black G10, natural canvas Micarta, and scorched natural canvas—offer a classic aesthetic while maintaining rugged performance.
Whether you’re carving tent stakes in the backcountry or processing kindling at camp, the Moss is designed to disappear on your belt until it’s needed—and to perform flawlessly when it is.
The Clifft
Award-Winning. Bold. Capable.
Named Best American Made – Factory Knife at Blade Show Texas, the Clifft Bowie is Chris Moss at his finest. It’s a bold interpretation of a classic American pattern, brought into the modern age with thoughtful materials, precision machining, and a show-stopping hamon line that nods to traditional bladesmithing.
The Clifft isn’t just for show—it’s a working blade, designed to perform in demanding conditions. Its sweeping edge and powerful tip give it exceptional chopping, slicing, and piercing performance, while still maintaining fine edge control.
The Clifft is a standout piece in any collection and a tribute to Chris’s ability to blend form and function with timeless style.
The Musashi
Inspired by Tradition. Forged for Today.
The Musashi draws its name and inspiration from the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. This knife honors that legacy with clean lines, a symmetrical profile, and aggressive double-edged geometry—making it both elegant and formidable.
Designed with self-defense and martial applications in mind, the Musashi features a slim, spearpoint blade optimized for speed and penetration. It’s a modern interpretation of traditional combat knives, with ergonomic scales and a low-profile sheath that ensures quick deployment and concealment.
Chris’s experience in both the machining and defense industries is on full display here. The Musashi is more than a blade—it’s a tool that speaks to discipline, focus, and intentionality.
The Harris
Primitive Meets Practical.
The Harris is Chris’s take on the Nesmuk pattern—a blade shape with ancient roots, reimagined through the lens of a modern craftsman. With its forward-leaning belly and sweeping curve, the Harris is built for slicing efficiency and control, particularly in hunting and bushcraft tasks.
It’s a blade that feels at home dressing game, preparing food, or carving wood in a wilderness shelter. The profile lends itself to a variety of grips and hand positions, while the robust spine offers strength for batoning or heavier work.
Like the Nesmuk knives of old, the Harris is a tool meant to be used, relied on, and passed down.
Legacy in Steel
Every one of Chris Moss’s designs shares a common thread: function-driven design, made with care and purpose. These aren’t knives that chase trends—they’re tools that answer real needs, forged from years of hard-won experience in machining, field use, and creative design.
From the backwoods to the battlefield, from the EDC pocket to the prize tables of major knife shows, Chris’s knives carry the spirit of Dauntless Manufacturing:
Indomiti Sumus – We Are Unconquerable.
Want to learn more about Chris and the team behind Dauntless?
Check out the About Us page or explore the Knowledge Base for guides, steel comparisons, and behind-the-scenes insights.