Leatherman Free P4 vs The James Brand The Helton
Leatherman Free P4 ($160) vs The James Brand The Helton ($169) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right tool.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Leatherman Free P4 | The James Brand The Helton |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 | $169 |
| Weight | 244g | 98.4g |
| Tools | 21 | 9, all locking |
| Weight | 8.6oz | 98.4g / 3.5 oz with clip |
| Length | 4.25" | — |
| Warranty | 25 years | — |
| Blade | — | VG-10, partially serrated |
| Drivers | — | Two, magnetic |
| Handle | — | 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Closed | — | 3.5" / 8.8cm |
| Extras | — | Chisel-tipped tweezers, scissors, file, bottle opener, metal pick, lanyard and bead |
Pros & Cons
Leatherman Free P4
- External tool access
- One-handed
- Hammer grip
- Heavy
- Big in pocket
The James Brand The Helton
- Every tool locks, which is the real complaint about traditional multi-tools
- Magnetic drivers keep bits and screws where you put them
- No plastic, unusual at this size
- 3.5 inches closed carries like a pocket knife, not a multi-tool
- $169 is Swiss Army money several times over
- No pliers, which rules out a whole class of jobs
- VG-10 is good, not exceptional, at this price
- Some finishes list at $179
Leatherman Free P4 is the better value at $160. If weight matters most, The James Brand The Helton carries lighter at 98.4g. Both are part of our curated tool index — tap through to check current pricing.