The James Model launched the unique Ellis knife in 2019 as its very first multitool. In reality, it wasn’t simply any multitool however the model’s personal interpretation of a Swiss Military Knife, reimagined by way of easy, decreased design language. Now the device is getting decreased even additional, dropping its further fold-out implements with a view to tackle its slimmest type but. Thinner than a pack of gum and shorter than an Apple TV distant, the brand new Ellis is designed to vanish away whereas barely being observed … proper up till it is time to deploy.
The James Model (TJB) launched in 2012, and through its 14 years in the marketplace, it is managed to develop a lineup of knives and EDC provisions that really feel as timeless and distinctive as choices from longer operating legends like Victorinox and Leatherman. In reality, most of TJB’s knives and instruments are a type of glossy, easy yin to the heftily loaded multitool yang.
The Ellis is the proper instance. It was the corporate’s first try at a multitool however remained almost as restrained as its compact knives, a lot easier and sleeker than the standard overloaded loaded multitool sandwich. It comprised a slim, rectangular chassis stuffed out by a straight/serrated blade and bottle opener/slotted screwdriver combo. A stubby little scraper caught out of the top of the deal with. Easy, helpful.
In 2022, TJB updated the Ellis, changing the flip-out bottle opener/driver with a small pair of scissors. It then built-in a flathead into the scraper finish, which was hollowed on the heart to function a keyring or lanyard attachment level. It additionally modified the locking blade mechanism to a slip joint.
The James Model
The all-new Ellis launched this week is much less an replace of that 2022 design and extra an entire rebranding. The brand new device bears extra in widespread with the ultra-sleek Ellis Slim knife TJB launched in 2023 than it does any earlier iteration of the Ellis.
In reality, the brand new Ellis net web page was nonetheless headed “Ellis Slim” in our Google outcomes as we labored on this writeup. And the entire “thinner than a pack of gum” advertising began with the Ellis Slim – we bear in mind clearly as a result of we dug up just a few gum pack dimensions to confirm, together with from a pack straight out of our pocket.
So the brand new Ellis is principally the outdated Ellis Slim, then? Not precisely, as the brand new knife rolls acquainted Ellis Slim options right into a totally up to date package deal. The largest distinction turns into instantly clear at first look: gone are the flat, grippy G10 scales, changed with an all-aluminum-alloy deal with with neat rows of dimples for grip. The aluminum scales additionally seem to incorporate a gentle curvature backward and forward, and finish to finish alongside the perimeter.
The James Model
The brand new Ellis’ listed thickness is definitely near a millimeter greater than the Ellis Slim’s, however that does not imply TJB is mendacity in regards to the new launch being its thinnest providing but. In evaluating the Ellis and Ellis Slim sketches the corporate has used to spotlight their respective sub-gum-pack thinness, it seems the brand new Ellis’ 8.8-mm (0.4-in) profile contains the flat-seated clip, whereas the 8-mm (0.3-in) spec from the Ellis Slim included solely the knife physique, minus its taller, curvier clip. So we’ll take The James Model’s phrase that the Ellis is actually its slimmest knife ever, knocking the outdated Ellis Slim off the rostrum.
The James Model
The brand new Ellis does weigh significantly extra, although, scaling in at 4.4 oz (126 g), about 2.6 oz (74 g) heavier than the Ellis Slim. In reality, that is additionally heavier than the two.6-oz (74-g) 2022 scissor-equipped Ellis multitool. However we reckon the common on a regular basis service will not collapse from an additional ounce or three in his or her pocket.
The James Model would not invoice the brand new Ellis as a multitool, and just like the Ellis Slim earlier than it, it is actually only a knife with just a few further capabilities that come by means of the keychain ring on the bottom. TJB calls that ring the “All Issues” pry, and it is designed to pry open can lids and bottle caps, scrape away outdated, undesirable stickers or gum, and spin a flathead screw into its new dwelling.
The James Model
Past that, the Ellis is de facto only a slim, traditional slip joint knife with 2.6-in (7-cm) Sandvik metal blade that opens through nail slot. It measures 6.4 inches (16 cm) lengthy when open and three.8 inches (10 cm) closed.
The all-new Ellis is out there now for US$99, and whether or not that worth strikes you as excessive, low or simply proper, we will say it is the identical beginning worth the Ellis Slim went for when it first debuted three years in the past. At the least one worth in life is not skyrocketing by way of the roof.
Supply: The James Brand
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