Our Story

About Us: Crafting Excellence in Blades and Beyond

Dauntless Manufacturing was born from a shared vision and relentless passion. Founded in 2017 by career machinists Zach Thull and Chris Moss, Dauntless Manufacturing emerged from a modest start in a garage in central North Carolina. With over a decade of friendship and collaboration, Zach and Chris brought a wealth of experience to their venture, having honed their skills in high-stakes fields like aerospace, defense, and firearms manufacturing.

Chris is a Journeyman Machinist, achieving his credentials through a distinguished tenure with NASA, while Zach built his expertise through technical college and his time with the Department of Defense. Over the years, they often found themselves working together, sharing insights and refining techniques. Despite their achievements, they grew increasingly frustrated by the limitations and bureaucracy in their respective workplaces, which ultimately led them to consider a new path—one where they could fully explore their potential without constraints.

Pooling their savings and investing in a well-worn Milltronics CNC mill from Craigslist, they set out on an ambitious journey to create something of their own. In the early days of Dauntless Manufacturing, they reached out to a friend and fellow knife enthusiast, Matt Helm, for permission to license one of his designs. With their meticulous attention to detail and manufacturing expertise, they reimagined Matt’s design, launching the “Persian” as Dauntless Manufacturing’s inaugural product.

The success of the Persian marked a turning point. It not only solidified their reputation for precision and quality but also inspired further product development, including custom designs and OEM services that now define Dauntless Manufacturing’s approach. Today, Dauntless Manufacturing remains committed to delivering high-performance, meticulously crafted knives that meet the demands of professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Every Dauntless Manufacturing product is proudly made in-house in our shop in central North Carolina. From those humble beginnings in a garage to a respected name in the industry, Dauntless Manufacturing embodies the resilience and dedication that define the American spirit—pushing boundaries, honoring craftsmanship, and, above all, remaining dauntless in the pursuit of excellence.