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Leatherman Surge vs The James Brand The Helton
Leatherman Surge ($130) 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 Surge | The James Brand The Helton |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $169 |
| Weight | 294g | 98.4g |
| Tools | 21 | 9, all locking |
| Blades | Large + extra-large serrated | — |
| Pliers | Needle-nose + regular + wire cutter | — |
| Weight | 294g | 98.4g / 3.5 oz with clip |
| Steel | 420HC | — |
| Case | Leather sheath included | — |
| 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 Surge
- 21 tools most complete ever
- All tools outside-accessible
- Spring-action pliers
- Blade exchange system
- 25-year warranty Leatherman
- 294g heaviest Leatherman
- Too big for pocket carry
- Not TSA-friendly (blades)
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 Surge is the better value at $130. 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.