New twists on old designs can be great. The Coast Founder’s Series Origin® is inspired by a classic stiletto knife but repackaged into a handsome, sleek, flipper-style, frame lock pocketknife.
Coast Founder’s Series
We got introduced to the Coast Founder’s Series shortly after the National Shooting Sports Foundation SHOT Show® in 2023. “The new Founder’s Series of knives pay tribute to Coast founder Henry W. Brands, who was always a proponent of knives that are as functional as they are stylish,” a release says about the series. “And the Founder’s series certainly checks both those boxes.”
As of publication, the Coast Founder’s Series includes: the Select, the Origin, the Origin Tanto, the Origin Damascus, and the Select Titanium.
An overlooked option?
The Founder’s Series Origin® might be a knife that goes overlooked. If you’re in the market for an everyday carry knife or something to have on the boat while fishing, this might not be a knife that you gravitate to. Don’t let the stiletto-inspired design dissuade you though. This one-hand operating flipper style knife is beyond handy.
You might think “weapon” when you look at the Origin. And, that’s a reasonable assessment. However, its attributes make it a perfect option for any time easy and quick deployment might be necessary. The sturdy pocket clip is optimized for right hand users. The slender 3.35 inch blade allows for fast opening action.
The Origin can be easily used in many outdoor activities, in addition to being a solid EDC option.
Some of the details
As noted, the Origin has a 3.35 inch blade. It’s made of 9Cr18Mov steel. That style of stainless steel is rather hard. So while it may have and hold a sharp edge, renewing it might take some work. The drop point blade gives the Origin character as well as the utility that comes with such constructions.
The knife exclusively opens via the flipper. There’s no additional thumb stud or detent on the blade to assist in deployment. Considering the design of the knife, working the flipper is rather impressive and the knife gives off a rather noir feel when it’s opened.
The frame lock locking system also allows for easy one-handed operation for closing. Naturally, perfect practice makes perfect, so work with your knife to understand the best options for you when closing it.
A stainless steel pocket clip allows users to easily pocket carry. The knife sits rather deep in the pocket but it’s not cumbersome. The overall dimensions, when closed, don’t make the knife a special liability in even the most crowded of pants pockets.
Attributes
Per the Origin product page, we have the following information:
- STYLE: The sleek 3.5-inch blade is constructed of 9Cr18Mov steel with a glass-bead finish.
- FLIPPER TAB AND FRAME LOCK: Deploy the blade smoothly, using the hinge-positioned finger tab that releases the blade to the open position. Work safely with one hand—the knife’s frame functions as a locking mechanism and allows you to keep one hand free while opening and closing the knife.
- FRAME LOCK: Work safely with one hand—the knife’s frame functions as a locking mechanism and allows you to keep one hand free while opening and closing the knife.
- ONE POSITION POCKET CLIP: Carry your knife at easy reach—the one-position pocket clip makes it easy to keep your knife accessible while tucked into your pocket.
- COAST LIFETIME WARRANTY: Take confidence in your product knowing it is backed by COAST’s total commitment to quality and Lifetime Warranty program.
My experience with the Origin
I was not sold on the Origin when I first got it in the mail for testing and evaluation. But, I popped the knife into my pocket and said, “Let’s get on with it.” The Origin was only the second flipper style pocketknife I was exposed to and that maybe made it all-the-more intoxicating.
Once using the knife as an EDC, I quickly fell in love. This is a sharp and handy knife. It’s utilitarian, handsome, and it makes a statement. Being from New Jersey, it’s so cliche to pop out a knife that seems akin to a switchblade–but here we are, with a very legal, and useful option that stands out.
I ended up using the Origin as an everyday carry for several months before making my first evaluation of it. In the time since, I’ve leaned on it when in between testing other knives or when I misplaced whatever I was currently reviewing. Each time I return to the Origin, I think to myself, “This really is a great knife.”
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Affordable and well-made. Sharp out the box. A great EDC option or perfect for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Minuses: Hard stainless steel makes renewing the blade edge a time consuming operation.
Overall, the Coast Founder’s Series Origin® is a good knife for a good price. While I might have walked away from getting this knife if I had a pile of options to choose from, it opened up my mind to the importance of really testing something before coming up with an opinion. With Coast’s warranty, the price point, and quality that went into this unit, I can recommend getting one.
The Coast Founder’s Series Origin® can be purchased directly from Coast or from Amazon.
