Everyday Carry

The James Brand Ellis

Authored by:
Jonathan Tayag
The James Brand Ellis

Related Gear:
  The James Brand New Ellis
  The James Brand x Timex Expedition North
  5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Gear Lovers from The James Brand

For a knife to be “minimalist,” it doesn't always have to mean it sports an understated design that's stripped of features. Minimalism can go beyond looks, instead focusing on letting you do more while carrying less. The James Brand Ellis has a unique balance of  uncluttered design and all-round versatility that's worthy of your minimalist EDC. With a competent blade for cutting tasks and an integrated multi-tool for almost everything else, it'll cover your bases, look good doing it, and free up some pocket space to boot.

The business end of the Ellis features a stout 2.6” modified drop-point blade that maximizes the cutting potential of the blade while keeping it compact. The blade is made out of a highly corrosion-resistant Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel that sharpens up to a nice edge. And because the blade has a mixture of straight edge and serrated surfaces, it's a good all-around cutting tool for your everyday carry. Opening the blade is a classic two-handed affair, made easier with the nail nick in the blade. A sturdy lockback mechanism holds the blade in place during use.

When you're done with the knife, fold it into the anodized aluminum handle, and it's there where the design of the Ellis truly shines. Like the gentleman's knives of old, the Ellis has a second tool built into the design, which opens just like the knife. But instead of another blade, the Ellis gives you a screwdriver and bottle opener. And because of the smart design of the Ellis, you get a full-sized handle that you can use to leverage these tools to the best of your ability. It doesn't stop there: at the pommel of the knife is a combination scraper and pry bar, handy for those who would otherwise use their knife for that task despite every warning not to do so.

For easy of carry, the back of the Ellis comes with a bail for attachment to a lanyard. If you prefer to carry it in your pockets, the 2.8 ounce weight makes it a no-fuss accompaniment to your curated carry. And with its good looks and intelligent features, you can use the Ellis to pare down to the essentials, making your life easier by shedding redundancies. The Ellis is available now, in three different colorways including black, silver, and a stand-out electric moss green. Check it out at the link below.

Check It Out

Jonathan Tayag

Senior Contributor


About the Author
Jonathan Tayag is secretly an information technology and corporate security expert who prefers to moonlight as a creative event and commercial photographer whenever possible. His varied experience and substantial travels have led him to seek, without even thinking about it at first, the best gear for the best use at the best price available. Before the concept of EDC (everyday carry) firmly took hold, Jonathan already spent untold amounts of time optimizing for the best-in-slot pieces of gear, from cameras and lenses to pocket knives, pens, and bags and packs. In November 2015, Jonathan joined EverydayCarry.com and has since written numerous articles and guides to help impart his knowledge to the community as a whole.

Jonathan's photographic works have appeared on numerous online websites, print, video, and television outlets for over a decade. Jonathan's previous clients include Blizzard Entertainment, Red Bull, ESL, Razer, and several other endemic and non-endemic esports sponsors and brands. His work also features heavily in online competitive gaming communities, especially those of the StarCraft and Fighting Game genres. You've likely seen his work if you've spent time in a stream or in-game chat over the years.

Discussion (0 total)

There are no messages here. Be the first to share a comment or feedback.