Cunningham Knives - Custom Handmade Knives in Sylva North Carolina

Handmade in Western N.C.

My name is Gary Cunningham and I am a self-taught knife maker. I started making knives around 1985. At that time I worked full-time as a machine operator in a factory. I worked there for 28 years, mainly operating lathes and metal forming machines. I made knives part-time for enjoyment and to supplement my income.

In 2016 the factory closed, leaving me with career decisions to make. I decided to put my knives first and began working on knives full-time. My knives are completely handmade. I use no pre-cut blades or factory-made parts. I design my own blades, using primarily stainless steel, and occasionally Damascus. The majority of my blades are hollow grind. Flat grind blades are available if a customer requests it.

I gladly work with my customers to design and create a knife that meets their exact needs. Details are important to me from the way the knife feels in your hand to the way it cuts.

The high-quality stainless steel I use is mainly 440-C, as well as CPM-154 and D-2. I do my own heat-treating in a computer-controlled furnace.

Handle materials vary from micarta to stag, exotic wood, bone, and woven fiberglass materials. I cut, dye, mold, and hand sew leather sheaths from 7-8 oz cowhide.

Thank You for visiting my website. I strive to make a quality knife and as you can see, when I say my knives are handmade, they truly are.

All knives listed in my store are available for immediate shipping.