Daniel Ray Norris
Updated June 11, 2026
Updated June 11, 2026
The other day, somebody told me, "Daniel. I like your knives. They're nice looking. You must have a natural talent for making 'em."
And it got me thinking....
Aaaaand - I thought about it.
Making knives is about as natural for me as me trying to be a ballerina. It's difficult. It does not come easy. I don't have an in-born talent for it. It's like swimming against a strong current. It's a struggle. But I like it. And I like looking at the results of my struggle. [Insert joke about me in a tutu here.]
I was born and live in Wilmington, NC with my wife Mary and son Jack. I teach Biology at Cape Fear Community College full time and I design and publish books when I am not making knives or napping with my cat Roscoe.
I do have knives for sale and they really aren't that expensive. Lately I have found what I consider my look for this craft. I truly never intended to sell any of my knives. As a matter of fact - it was my original intention to keep them all - not unlike "The Mad Potter of Mississippi" George E. Ohr. He didn't sell all that many of his works but he was happy just keeping his "mud babies" to himself. I think there's a kernel of honor in that.
You may have noticed the sea monster theme. I like old maps and am always tickled to see the area where "There be Monsters!". These scary and mysterious parts of the world were illustrated in this way as a warning. And our CAPE FEAR has a tie to that.
The names for many of my knives were mostly dreamed up by my wife. She has a tiny head but a really big brain. Got any advice or questions? Want a knife? Hit me up on the Contact page.
Daniel Ray Norris
Norris Knives, Wilmington, NC
Norris Knives, Wilmington, NC
Safety First.
