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Leatherman Skeletool CX vs The James Brand The Helton
Leatherman Skeletool CX ($105) vs The James Brand The Helton ($169) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right multi-tool.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Leatherman Skeletool CX | The James Brand The Helton |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $105 | $169 |
| Weight | 142g | 98.4g |
| Tools | 7 | 9, all locking |
| Weight | 142g | 98.4g / 3.5 oz with clip |
| Handle | Carbon fiber + stainless | 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Clip | Carabiner | — |
| Blade | 154CM steel (CX version) | VG-10, partially serrated |
| Pliers | Needle-nose + regular | — |
| Drivers | — | Two, magnetic |
| Closed | — | 3.5" / 8.8cm |
| Extras | — | Chisel-tipped tweezers, scissors, file, bottle opener, metal pick, lanyard and bead |
Pros & Cons
Leatherman Skeletool CX
- 142g actually pocketable
- 154CM blade on CX is premium
- Carabiner integrates into carry
- 7 tools covers 95% of tasks
- Carbon fiber handle looks sharp
- $105 for a 7-tool
- No scissors
- Minimalism frustrates some
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 Skeletool CX is the better value at $105. If weight matters most, The James Brand The Helton carries lighter at 98.4g. Both are part of our curated multi-tool index — tap through to check current pricing.