Building on the design language it debuted with the new Elko knife and followed up with the reworked Ellis, The James Brand (TJB) packs multiple functions inside the all-new Helton EDC tool. The chassis swells slightly to accommodate its nine-function toolset but still measures in with a length and width TJB compares to a pack of gum – and not one of those big desktop canisters, either. The result is a sleek, lightweight ultramodern tool that’s as easy to carry as it is to use.
In developing a multitool to slide neatly into its latest generation of EDC offerings, The James Brand took time to reflect upon which tools were absolutely necessary for its customers and which ones could be eliminated to cut bulk and excess. It then set about integrating that carefully considered tool selection into a chassis that’s every bit as sleek and ultramodern as the newest knives in the brand’s lineup.
The James Brand
The Helton carries over the gently curved machine-dimpled aluminum scales from the aforementioned Ellis and Elko knives, which were both updated earlier this year with that new wardrobe. As with those knives, the Helton has no plastics or resin-based composites, just premium metals like 6061 aluminum, stainless steel and phosphor bronze.
Each of the four fold-out implements within the Helton chassis locks in place via a simple liner lock-style mechanism between the scales that secures the tool at the joint. To close the tool, one simply pushes the lock outward to free the folding motion.
The James Brand
The four-implement set comprises a 2.3-in (5.8-cm) VG-10 steel blade with inner serrations, a bottle opener with magnetic Phillips #2 driver tip, a combo coarse/nail file with magnetic 4.5-mm flathead tip, and a set of spring-action scissors. That’s a full seven functions, and TJB augments them with two tools that slide into the chassis: a set of chisel-tip tweezers and a metal pick. The Helton also comes with a removable pocket clip and a beaded lanyard that can be lark’s footed around the attachment hole.
The Helton measures 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) long when closed and just 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) thick, including the clip. It weighs in at 3.5 oz (99 g), making it a sleek, lightweight EDC multitool you’ll barely notice in your pocket but will definitely come to rely upon for everyday tasks.
The James Brand
The James Brand launched the Helton last week, and the multitool sold out more quickly than expected. Those looking to snag the $169 tool during the next drop can sign up for notifications at the link below.
Source: The James Brand
