For 95 years COAST Portland has been crafting knives strong enough to tackle tasks that range from the mundane to the disastrous. Blades that are versatile enough to cut twine one minute and get you through a day at the ranch the next. The COAST BX300, BX315 and BX316 Lockback knives offer an affordable blade that is built to last.
On Performance and Design…
Irrespective of whether you’re going camping or just need to pare things while on the move, there are a number of important features to consider when choosing your everyday carry knife. Factors such as steel quality, locking mechanism, and blade point should all be at the top of your list. 
But for a knife that will be in and out of your hands with any frequency, control is a factor too often overlooked. After all, more than just a cutting device, your knife is a tool – an extension of your own hand and actions. As such, the greater the control you have over that device, the better. 
Towards those ends, the COAST BX300, BX315 and BX316 scored high marks with our field team. A rubberized ergonomic handle offers a natural, dextrous feel in your hand while deep finger grooves nearly eliminate slippage, even when wet. As an added bonus, the rubberized grip prevents scratches and dings on your other pocket devices giving you one less thing to worry about while camping or commuting. 
For added control, each of the knives feature notching on the top of the blade and along the spine of the handle. This not only helps prevent accidental slipping, but gives the user added confidence in the handling of their knife. In the rare event that the knife does slip, a hard nylon frame (fiberglass-reinforced on the BX316) rests under the rubberized grip to ensure that your COAST pocket knife can stand up to the wear and tear of a rough and tumble lifestyle.
Constructed of 9Cr18Mov stainless steel, these blades provide a solid combination of edge retention, hardness and sharpening ability. Admittedly, the Mov series of steels is not typically our go-to option when it comes to picking knives. However, the benefit of this particular steel is that you get outstanding value for the money while still offering solid durability and tremendous corrosion resistance.
Notes from the Field…
While the BX315 and BX316 are our favorite of the three, they are also significantly larger (8.62 in overall) than their little brother, the BX300. As a result, these knives will feel slightly excessive in smaller hands, and some may find them a little too bulky for daily carry. Over the course of our experience with these knives, our field team also noted some minor side blade play.
Despite these minor quibbles, perhaps the best reason to give these knives a try is the price. You’ll be hard pressed to find a knife with this many features at a more affordable price point. Add in the fact that these knives are backed by Coast’s lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship and you literally have a lifetime companion.
Bottom Line…
Looking for a utilitarian design with maximum control and comfort? The BX315, BX316 and BX300 from COAST Portland are ready to go to work.
*Gumption Gear Review received a product sample of the item featured in this review from COAST Portland at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.