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Rivery Manufacturing
Published: April 18th, 2025
Based in Sevierville, Tennessee, Rivery Manufacturing (pronounced Rye-ver-ee) was founded by Michael Sayers and has become a symbol of American craftsmanship and innovation. What began as a small-scale operation has steadily grown into a respected manufacturer known especially for its thoughtfully designed and stunning utility knives.
Michael Sayers, an East Tennessee native, earned his mechanical engineering degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and spent 15 years at a pet products company in Knoxville, specializing in mechanical design and injection molding. An avid car enthusiast and natural tinkerer, Michael's journey into machining began out of necessity. In 2015, frustrated by expensive aftermarket pulleys for his supercharged VW Golf, he leveraged his design expertise to create his own. This small act of defiance against high prices marked the inception of his machining journey, eventually leading to the establishment of Rivery Manufacturing
- Rivery Manufacturing was founded by Michael Sayers (pictured above)
Transitioning from manual machining to CNC (Computer Numerical Control), Michael funded his first CNC mill through a successful Kickstarter campaign selling fidget spinners. As his skills and business expanded, so did his equipment, eventually enabling him to move from making personal car parts to general machine shop services. During these formative years, Michael's meticulous attention to detail and relentless drive for perfection set the foundation for the high-quality standards Rivery Manufacturing would later be known for.
In 2022, after his corporate position was eliminated, Michael took a leap of faith, dedicating himself entirely to growing his machining business. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Watson, recommended by a mutual friend, joined him. Ryan, who had built a diverse background in business operations and hospitality management, brought critical operational and marketing insights. His prior experience running a small firearms customization business not only sharpened his business acumen but also instilled in him a deep-seated appreciation for American-made products, aligning seamlessly with Michael’s vision.
Ryan’s role rapidly evolved, as he took on responsibilities ranging from streamlining operations to enhancing customer engagement and brand visibility. His innovative approach to marketing and strategic planning greatly amplified the company's presence, particularly across social media platforms, which became instrumental in their later successes.
Facing financial uncertainty in late 2023, Michael made another bold decision. Withdrawing all the funds from his retirement account to prototype a novel, screwless, seamless utility knife design. Dubbed the "Zero," this knife wasn't just an engineering marvel; it combined usability with a uniquely satisfying, fidget-friendly mechanism. A TikTok video showcasing the Zero's sleek design and innovative function became an instant hit, garnering over 2.6 million views within 36 hours, catapulting RiveryMFG into the spotlight virtually overnight.
- In 2022, Ryan Watson (pictured above) joined Rivery Manufacturing
- In 2023, Rivery Manufacturing began developing the Zero
Buoyed by the sudden surge in popularity, they quickly launched another Kickstarter campaign. Its unprecedented success, raising over $113,000, transformed RiveryMFG from a modest job shop into a rapidly growing knife manufacturer. The influx of support allowed Michael and Ryan to scale up production dramatically, purchase additional equipment, and expand their workforce to meet the burgeoning demand for their innovative knives. Key additions to their team included Alex Lethco, who joined as a Production Specialist, bringing extensive experience in precision manufacturing, and Quinton Frisby, who assumed responsibility as the Zero Assembly and Fulfillment Specialist, ensuring each knife met the brand's exacting quality standards.
The name Rivery Manufacturing, cleverly combining Michael’s daughters’ names Riley and Avery, symbolizes the company's commitment to family, community, and American manufacturing. Today, Rivery Manufacturing proudly sources approximately 98% of its materials and services from across the U.S., including Tennessee, Kentucky, California, and Florida, with ambitions of achieving 100% domestic sourcing very soon.
The company's philosophy is straightforward yet powerful: produce innovative, high-quality knives at accessible prices, made entirely in America. Michael and Ryan's vision extends beyond profits, they aim to foster a sustainable local economy by investing in their employees and community. Their growing team benefits from hands-on training, competitive wages, and a supportive environment that emphasizes skill-building and career advancement. RiveryMFG also actively collaborates with other local businesses, assisting them in establishing their own independent production capabilities, thereby strengthening the broader local manufacturing ecosystem.
As Rivery Manufacturing prepares to exhibit at its first Blade Show in Atlanta, the company remains grounded in its roots: innovation, American pride, and community impact. Michael and Ryan view this event not only as an opportunity to showcase their products but also as a milestone reflecting their remarkable journey, from grassroots beginnings to an influential player in American manufacturing.
Through bold risks, relentless dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality and community, Michael Sayers and Ryan Watson have not only created exceptional knives but have also reignited a passion for American-made craftsmanship, demonstrating that innovation thrives even in the heart of Appalachia.
Rivery Manufacturing
In order left to right: Michael Sayers, Quinton Frisby, Alex Lethco, and Ryan Watson
What to Buy
The Rivery Manufacturing Zero Original offers clean design and cutting-edge function in a slim, American-made package. It features a replaceable razor blade and a gray 6061-T6 aluminum handle with a smooth satin anodized finish that’s both durable and sleek. The innovative top-slide mechanism deploys the blade with a push of the front cover and retracts it swiftly with a spring-loaded pull. Weighing just 2 ounces and measuring 2.68 inches closed, the Zero Original is built for daily precision and reliability. Whether for work or everyday carry, it’s the perfect fusion of minimalism and mechanical ingenuity.
The Rivery Manufacturing Zero Knurled redefines compact cutting performance with a sleek, minimalist design and intuitive operation. Made in the USA, it features a replaceable razor blade and a durable 6061-T6 aluminum handle with a black knurled pattern for a secure grip. Its innovative top-slide mechanism allows you to manually push the front cover upward to extend the blade and pull it back to retract it instantly with a spring-assisted snap. At just 2 ounces and 2.68 inches long, the Zero Knurled is the ultimate everyday carry tool—precise, lightweight, and built for quick, reliable action.
The Rivery Manufacturing Zero File pairs function with a streamlined design. It uses the same top-slide mechanism—push to open, pull to retract with spring-assisted speed. The gray 6061-T6 aluminum handle has a satin anodized finish that resists wear while maintaining a sleek appearance. With a replaceable razor blade, 2.68-inch closed length, and 2-ounce weight, the Zero File offers excellent portability and control. Built for accuracy in daily cutting tasks, it delivers a smooth, responsive feel in hand. Proudly made in the USA.
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.