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Avery Knifeworks
Published: July 29th, 2026
Long before Avery Knifeworks became known for handcrafted hunting and kitchen knives, its story began in the mountains of western North Carolina, where founder Raleigh Avery developed an appreciation for the outdoors that would ultimately shape both his career and his philosophy as a craftsman. Growing up in North Carolina's High Country, Avery spent much of his youth hunting, fishing, exploring the woods, and learning firsthand that a dependable knife was one of the most important things a person could carry. Unlike many future knifemakers who entered the trade through engineering or industrial manufacturing, Avery's path began in the practical realities of mountain living. The knives he admired were not collectibles destined for display cases but working tools that processed game, prepared food, carved wood, and served countless everyday tasks. That early perspective would remain central to everything he built in the years that followed.
Avery's interest in making knives began early; at just fourteen years old, he completed his first blade as a gift for his grandfather, fashioning a hunting knife from an old saw blade and fitting it with a whitetail antler handle. Like many first projects, it was less about perfection than about learning what could be accomplished with patience, creativity, and determination. While humble, that initial project revealed something deeper than a passing hobby. It introduced Avery to the unique satisfaction that comes from transforming raw materials into a tool capable of serving someone else for years. While many young makers move on to other interests, Avery continued developing his skills while expanding his understanding of traditional craftsmanship and life in the outdoors.
A pivotal chapter in Avery's development began in 2014 when he became involved with Turtle Island Preserve near Boone, North Carolina. Founded by renowned outdoorsman Eustace Conway, Turtle Island is an educational preserve dedicated to teaching traditional skills, self-reliance, and sustainable living through hands-on experience rather than classroom instruction. The preserve has long emphasized blacksmithing, woodworking, hunting, farming, horsemanship, and historical craft traditions, creating an environment where practical knowledge is passed directly from experienced craftsmen to the next generation. It was there that Avery met Preston Roberts, Conway's longtime friend, co-founder of Turtle Island Preserve, and a respected bladesmith whose handmade knives had become familiar to audiences through the History Channel series Mountain Men. Roberts introduced Avery to the art and discipline of knifemaking, providing both technical instruction and an example of how functional craftsmanship could become a lifelong vocation.
With his foundational skills taking shape during his early years at Turtle Island, Avery officially established Avery Knifeworks in 2016. Initially producing knives on a relatively small scale, he focused on selling at local craft shows and slowly building an online presence. In those formative years, each knife reflected the exact philosophy he was absorbing in the mountains: straightforward, dependable tools made from quality materials and built to be used rather than simply displayed. Customers quickly responded to that authenticity. Rather than attempting to imitate trends within the custom knife industry, Avery focused on creating blades that hunters, outdoorsmen, chefs, and everyday users could rely on in the field and at home.
- In 2014, Avery was formally introduced to knifemaking by Preston Roberts (pictured above), while learning traditional skills at the Turtle Island Preserve
- In 2016, Raleigh Avery (pictured above) officially established Avery Knifeworks
As the business quietly grew, Avery's development as a young outdoorsman was introduced to a much wider audience. His work alongside Eustace Conway at Turtle Island was featured during Seasons Eight and Nine of Mountain Men between 2018 and 2020. Although the television exposure brought increased public recognition, Avery has consistently described those years not as a launching pad for celebrity fame but as an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced mentors whose knowledge had been earned through decades of living close to the land. The lessons he absorbed during that period continue to influence both his work ethic and the design of his knives.
A major turning point came in 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped countless careers and businesses across the country, Avery made the decision to pursue knifemaking full-time. Demand for handmade American knives increased dramatically during this period, and Avery Knifeworks experienced steady growth as more customers discovered his work through word of mouth, social media, outdoor events, and his television appearances. The transition required long hours and constant refinement, but it also allowed Avery to dedicate himself completely to improving his designs, expanding production, and establishing a stronger identity for the company.
Throughout the company's growth, Avery has remained committed to producing knives that balance traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. His work frequently incorporates high-performance steels such as CPM 3V, Nitro-V, AEB-L, MagnaCut, and 1095, each selected for the intended purpose of its design. Handles often feature stabilized hardwoods, resin composites, naturally shed antler, and striking combinations of organic and synthetic materials, ensuring that every piece carries its own unique visual character. Avery consistently emphasizes ergonomics, durability, edge performance, and long-term reliability, believing that a beautiful knife should also withstand years of hard use.
As interest in handmade American knives continues to grow, Avery Knifeworks occupies a place where traditional bladesmithing and modern craftsmanship meet. Every knife that leaves the shop is shaped by techniques that have existed for generations, yet built with the precision, materials, and expectations of today's users. In an era dominated by mass production, that commitment to making each knife by hand ensures that no two are exactly alike, giving every piece a character that can only come from the hands of its maker.
Avery Knifeworks Woodsman (Maple Burl)
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.