Dauntless Manufacturing: 2024 Year in Review
Hey everyone,
Thanks a ton for a truly great year! Chris and I set some ambitious goals for 2024. Some we achieved, some we didn’t, but the journey made it our best year yet. Pushing ourselves with audacious objectives brought its fair share of ups and downs in business and many incredible personal experiences. There were challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. We've made new friends, we've deepened relationships with old friends, and even been disappointed by some old friends. I guess that's all part of growth and learning. Let’s look back on the highlights of 2024 and share our vision for what’s ahead in 2025.
Supporting the Helm Family
We began 2024 with one of the most serious and heartfelt efforts we’ve ever undertaken: raising funds for the Matt Helm family as they coped with the devastating loss of their youngest daughter, Nora Helm. The response from the knife, EDC, firearm, and training communities was nothing short of extraordinary. The generosity and love poured out by everyone who participated was deeply humbling. Together, we raised far more than we ever expected, and while we are grateful for the opportunity to support the Helm family, we hope never to face such circumstances again. Chris and I are proud to count the Helms among our friends and wish them nothing but continued strength and happiness.
Investing in Our Craft
This year, we focused heavily on improving how we work and the tools we use. We upgraded our equipment for finishing, machining, QA/QC, and sharpening while retiring some older machines. It was a little ironic to end the year with fewer CNC mills than we started, but the result has been a big step forward in quality and efficiency. In 2025, we’re aiming to add a high-speed mill and are exploring the possibility of bringing in a waterjet and a double-disk grinder. These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to doing things better every day.
Expanding Our Product Line
2024 saw the release of new models and updates to some old favorites. The Dogbone line remains our most popular, with the addition of the Dogbone-K and Dogbone-DE adding more variety. The Work Knife series has grown with the V2 and V3, and while there’s been talk of adding a cleaver or expanding the Persian line, we’re still weighing those possibilities (keep objecting, but I think I'm losing the Cleaver battle). The initial run of the Moss line was a strong success, and we’re excited to explore more options in that series for 2025. The Hikers, Musashis, and The Clifft all saw progress this year and should be ready for full release in 2025. Who knows, we may even add an axe or battle hatchet to the lineup.
Moving Into a New Facility
One of the biggest milestones for us in 2024 was moving to a new facility. By mid-2023, it was clear that we had outgrown our old shop. Finding industrial space in central North Carolina was a frustrating process, and we even looked at options in West Virginia and Ohio. In June 2024, we finally found the right space and made the move. This new facility gives us the room we need to grow and improve as we move forward.
Making the Website More User-Friendly
We also put a lot of effort into improving our website this year. With better navigation, detailed product pages, and resources like guides on steel selection and maintenance, we aimed to make things simpler and more informative. A big part of this effort was working with Phil Swanson of PS Patch Design to update our photography. The new images showcase our knives more clearly and make it easier for customers to explore different configurations.
Additionally, we introduced a Knowledge Base and blog to the site. The Knowledge Base includes articles on steel selection, handle materials, maintenance tips, and more, providing a resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of our products and their care. The blog offers insights into our process, updates on new projects, and behind-the-scenes looks at Dauntless. These additions reflect our commitment to transparency and education, and we hope they make the site a valuable tool for both seasoned collectors and new customers.
Keeping Knives in Stock
This year, we shifted focus to keeping a steady inventory of knives available. Instead of relying on periodic drops, we wanted to ensure that when someone is ready to purchase, they can find what they’re looking for. It’s taken careful planning to achieve, but it feels like a step in the right direction. We hope this change makes things a little easier for our customers.
Filling Out the Hot and Ready Line
Our Hot and Ready line has grown into a key part of what we offer. These knives are preconfigured to keep things simple and cost-effective, without compromising quality. Featuring AEB-L steel blades and Natural Canvas Micarta handle scales, they’ve been well-received by customers. It’s been rewarding to see this idea take shape, and we plan to continue building on it in the coming year.
Looking Ahead
As we close out 2024, Chris and I are deeply grateful for your support and excited for what’s to come. This year has taught us a lot, and we’re looking forward to using those lessons to keep improving. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and taking on new challenges.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Zach & Chris