FROM KNIVES TO LIGHTS

The COAST Portland Legacy

- WORDS AND PHOTOS BY COREY DECKER

When you think of COAST, you probably think of flashlights. If you're anything like me, that's the first thing that comes to mind. But COAST is more than just flashlights. In fact, they got their start with knives—a legacy that continues alongside their industry-leading lighting solutions. From high-quality knives to cutting-edge flashlights, COAST has been a blue-collar staple for over a century. Let's dive into their story and highlight some of their standout products.

A Legacy of Innovation

COAST's roots trace back to 1919, when Henry Brands, a pioneering knifemaker in the Pacific Northwest, launched the company with the invention of the Salmon Fillet Knife. This wasn't just any knife—it was a game-changer, with a fillet knife on one end and a cleaning scoop on the other. It's no exaggeration to say Henry Brands kickstarted Portland's robust knife-making industry, paving the way for iconic brands like Benchmade, Gerber, Leatherman, and CRKT, all of which call Portland home.

Henry Brands Jr. carried the torch through the post-World War II boom, growing COAST's product line to include fishing and hunting knives, scissors, kitchen cutlery, and agricultural tools. The company's catalog became a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and hardworking families alike.