The James Brand The Elko — 2026 Sandvik Edition vs The James Brand The Helton
The James Brand The Elko — 2026 Sandvik Edition ($65) vs The James Brand The Helton ($169) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right edc tool.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | The James Brand The Elko — 2026 Sandvik Edition | The James Brand The Helton |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65 | $169 |
| Weight | 37g | 98.4g |
| Scales | 6061 Aluminum | — |
| Edge | Sandvik 12C27 Steel | — |
| Weight | 37g | 98.4g / 3.5 oz with clip |
| Texture | Tighter knurl 2026 | — |
| Tool | Scraper/pry geometry | — |
| Year | 2026 Edition | — |
| Tools | — | 9, all locking |
| 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
The James Brand The Elko — 2026 Sandvik Edition
- Sandvik 12C27 — corrosion-resistant pry edge
- Tighter knurl — better grip in gloves or wet hands
- 37g ultralight for an aluminum tool
- Refined All Things pry geometry
- TSA checkpoint friendly
- $65 feels steep for a pry tool
- Sandvik 12C27 is mid-tier — not a knife steel
- Niche utility compared to a folding knife
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
The James Brand The Elko — 2026 Sandvik Edition is the better value at $65. Both are part of our curated edc tool index — tap through to check current pricing.