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.

​

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.

​

Johan's motto is: Art that is smart. In your pocket.

​

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.

​

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, Oryx, Springbok, 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.

​

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.

​​​​