Johan Ellis, also known as JD Ellis, is a part-time custom knifemaker in the Namaqualand town of Springbok, South Africa. Johan grew up in Namaqualand where the world is beautiful in a special and unique way, just like his knives.
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Johan specialises in making slip-joint (slippie) folding knives, but with a contemporary twist. The latest techniques, technologies and materials are used to make a knife that is unique.
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Johan's motto is: Art that is smart. In your pocket.
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A JD Ellis slippie is a reliable folding knife that meets the needs of customers all over the world. You can use it, or you can make it part of a "safe queen" collection. All knives are made to work as a priority.
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A founding principle for Johan is to innovate and not to copy. Although traditional knives are made from time to time it is not what Johan wants to focus on and be known for. An artist wants to be known for his own works and not for being a good copier of others. Johan teamed up with Francois Nell to help make his work unique and to create a new genre, innovative contemporary slippies. This started with the large Meganique design, which was followed by small Meganique, Wasp, Tiger, etc. With Ingwe a firm favorite traditional was upgraded with new technology (incl. internal stop-pin) and an updated look with a signature integrated bolster-shield.
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Steel used is limited to RWL-34 or Damasteel, both products of Damasteel Labs in Sweden. This steel has a superior track record and the Damasteel (a stainless damascus) is highly sought-after.
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Completed knives will be made available here. Those joining the mailing list will be notified of upcoming sale.
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As a part-time knife maker it is not possible to meet the demands made as part of an order list (book). The material choices is also not always readily available. Knives will therefore be made per what is available and then sold on this website. Whomever takes the knife first - and pays - will be the new owner. This way of making and selling knives help Johan to live out his passion as an artist first. Johan wants to be a creator of knives and not just a maker of knives. There is a fundamental difference.
