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New: Shawn Ellis places 1st in Pineywood Hammer Competition

About Shawn Ellis

Ellis knives are 100% handmade by Journeyman Knifesmith Shawn Ellis. Made from only the finest materials and expert craftsmanship. Every detail of an Ellis knife is carefully crafted to its own one-of-a-kind style!

Knives made by Shawn Ellis have a distinct "Arkansas Look" with natural handle materials and hand forged blades. Shawn is a full time blacksmith and avid hunter. According to Shawn, "a knife must have good function, clean lines and act as an extension of your hand with a blade that has great edge holding ability".

Shawn Ellis is a resident of Mountain View, Arkansas deep in the Ozark Mountains. Shawn credits great Arkansas Mastersmiths Jim Crowell and John Fitch as well as the American Blacksmith Society for helping him perfect his art.

 Organizations:

• Shawn Joined the American Bladesmith Society in 1990 and achieved the rank of Journeyman Smith in 1993.

• Due to circumstances beyond his control, Shawn was not able to pursue his Bladesmithing and lost his rank of Journeyman.

• Shawn came back in 2003 and reclaimed his rank of Journeyman and is one of the most promising “new” makers in the business. Shawn is arguably the only JS to have regained his rank after circumstances in his life kept him from his craft for several years.

• A member of the Arkansas Knifemaker’s Association since 2005 Shawn attends their annual show in Little Rock.

• Shawn is an avid cutting competition competitor in open competitions and with the ICCT (International Cutting Competition Trail.) who constantly strives to improve his knives as well as his technique. Shawn is among the top competitors.

Feature Articles:

• Knifeworld June 2006

Photos have appeared in:

• Blade Magazine May 2007 “Knifemakers to watch”

• Knives Illustrated

• Knife World

Awards:

• 2005 First place Ozark Folk Center cutting competition.

• 2005 “Best Combat Knife” award Spirit of Steel Show in Texas. 

• 2006 Second place Texarkana College Fall Piney Woods Hammer in cutting contest.

• 2007 Arkansas Knifemakers Show “Best Damascus”.

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