Winner of the ron little award for best custom knife at National Knife Makers Association

CunninghamKnives

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 440c, O1 carbon, D2, damascus.


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.

Testimonials

"Got it today and absolutely love it! Beautiful work, Gary. Proud to own it and cant wait to clean some trout with it."

- David C. 

"Love this knife! Skinned turkey, cut potatoes and fish. Thanks again."
- Henry F. 

"I got the knives and they're even better in real life! Great customer service and fast shipping."

- Stuart S.

A WORD FROM THE MAKER

Cunningham Knives Handmade in N.C.