James Brand has released its latest knife-based multitool, fleshing out a branch of their offerings that until now had consisted of a single model. The Helton takes the minimalist approach to deliver additional utility while still remaining lightweight and thin.
Knife-based multitools, as a genre, are built really upon a single company, and that’s Victorinox (there used to be two companies working regularly in this space, but eventually Wegner was acquired by its competitor). When knife companies begin exploring the realm of the multitool, more often than not they follow in the footsteps of Leatherman and the plier-based MT concept. But every so often one company or another will try the knife-based format instead, as James did several years ago with the Ellis, a very minimalist knife-based multitool with a nonlocking blade and a pair of scissors.
Compared to its predecessor the Helton expands upon the tool selection by quite a bit. There is still the main blade, of course, a 2.3-inch combo-edged drop point, made from VG-10; and the scissors are still here too; but they are now joined by a Phillips driver/bottle opener, a flathead driver/file, and two detachable tools that slot into a groove on the scales – a type of stowage seen on many Victorinox Swiss Army knives, although not typically ones with aluminum scales. Something not usually seen on Victoriox SAKs (we don’t like the acronym either), but present on the Helton, is a pocket clip.
Another key feature on the Helton – and another differentiator from the average knife-based MT – is that all of its folding tools are lockable thanks to liner locks placed through its frame. Locking knife-based MTs are not unheard of, of course, but it’s a feature that anybody used to the safety of the average modern folder will appreciate when considering the Helton for daily carry. The aforementioned pocket clip can be removed and a second external tool into its place as well. The Helton’s weight is 3.5 oz. according to the James Brand spec sheet.
It is available now – kind of. The first batch sold out but more are on the way.
Knife in Featured Image: James Brand Helton