Kershaw Launch: Exploring the Different Models in This Popular Automatic Line
Maybe you're here because you're looking for a Kershaw automatic and you don't know which one to buy. There are currently 20 models in the Launch series, so we totally understand why choosing can be daunting.
But we got you!
Today's blog post will spotlight:
- The different knife models in the Launch line of automatic knives from Kershaw
- The defining features of the Launch series
- What to consider when choosing a Launch automatic knife
Introducing the Kershaw Launch series
Kershaw Knives, a brand known for its stylish, high-quality, and durable knives, was founded by Pete Kershaw and his wife Judy in Lake Oswego, Oregon in 1974. Kershaw's range of products proudly includes fixed blades, folding knives, and automatic knives.
So what about the Launch series?
Launch is a collection of automatic knives known for their functionality, craftsmanship, and performance—a testament to the extremely fine work the team at Kershaw has been doing all these years.
Here's a breakdown of the Launch collection's defining features:
- Made in USA: Kershaw manufactures the Launch series out of its Oregon factory.
- Various options: Launch knives come in various sizes. Drop point, clip point, and modified Wharncliffe—these are just some of the blade styles to choose from. Handles can be made of aluminum, G-10, or carbon fiber.
- Everyday carry (EDC): Most Launch knives are lightweight and compact.
- Automatic: You have to press a switch on the knife's handle to deploy the blade.
There are two ways to deploy a Kershaw switchblade: side opening and out the front (OTF). In a side-opening knife, the blade extends from the side of the handle, like in a traditional folding knife. In a Kershaw OTF knife, the blade swings out of the front of the handle.
The different Kershaw Launch models
A reminder before we go any further. Automatic knives may not be legal in certain jurisdictions, so be sure to familiarize yourself with local and state laws before purchasing one.
With that out of the way, let's take a look at some of our favorite Kershaw Launch models.
Launch 1
The Launch 1 is the first model in the series and sets the standard for the Kershaw Launch line. It was released in 2015.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154 stainless steel
- Blade length: 3.4 inches
- Blade style: Drop point
- Finish: BlackWash*
- Overall length: 8.2 inches
- Weight: 4.1 ounces
- Handle material: Anodized aluminum
- Pocket clip: Left or right tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, backup knife, outdoor activities like camping and hiking, tactical applications such as search and rescue, knife collecting
*BlackWash is a proprietary Kershaw finish. To achieve this finish, a black oxide coating is first applied to the blade. The blade is then stonewashed to give it a rugged, worn look.
Get the Kershaw 7100BW Launch 1 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 4
A small California-legal automatic knife, the Launch 4 is specifically designed for everyday carry and light cutting tasks.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154 with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating
- Blade length: 1.9 inches
- Blade style: Spear point
- Finish: Stonewash
- Overall length: 5.1 inches
- Weight: 1.8 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum
- Pocket clip: Single position tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor activities, tactical applications, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7500BLK Launch 4 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 6
The Launch 6 is slim, rust-resistant, and perfect for everyday carry and tactical uses.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 3.75 inches
- Blade style: Drop point
- Finish: Black DLC
- Overall length: 8.7 inches
- Weight: 3.8 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum
- Pocket clip: Left or right tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7800BLK Launch 6 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 8
Custom knifemaker Matt Diskin designed the Launch 8. It features sleek, symmetrical lines reminiscent of classic Italian stilettos.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 3.5 inches
- Blade style: Spear point
- Finish: Stonewash
- Overall length: 8.5 inches
- Weight: 2.3 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum with carbon fiber insert
- Pocket clip: Reversible tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7150 Launch 8 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 10
The Launch 10 is a compact automatic that features a hawkbill blade design, which earned it the nickname "The Claw."
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 1.9 inches
- Blade style: Drop point
- Finish: Stonewash
- Overall length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 3.4 ounces
- Handle material: Anodized aluminum
- Pocket clip: Reversible tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7350 Launch 10 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 11
The Launch 11 comes with a sharp tip and a versatile cutting edge, thanks to its spear point blade design, which makes it suitable for various tasks.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 2.75 inches
- Blade style: Drop point
- Finish: BlackWash
- Overall length: 6.75 inches
- Weight: 2.1 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum
- Pocket clip: Reversible tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7550 Launch 11 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 12
Matt Diskin also designed the Launch 12. It's a smaller, more compact version of the Launch 8.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 2.4 inches
- Blade style: Stiletto
- Finish: Stonewash
- Overall length: 6.2 inches
- Weight: 1.9 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum with carbon fiber insert
- Pocket clip: Reversible tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Launch 13
The Launch 13 features a Wharncliffe blade, a type of blade with a straight or slightly curved cutting edge and a spine that slopes downward to meet the tip.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 3.5 inches
- Blade style: Wharncliffe
- Finish: Two tone (satin and black DLC)
- Overall length: 8 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum
- Pocket clip: Reversible tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7650 Launch 13 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 14
The Launch 14 features a cleaver style blade with a flat cutting edge that's ideal for chopping and slicing.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 3.375 inches
- Blade style: Cleaver
- Finish: BlackWash
- Overall length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum and carbon fiber
- Pocket clip: Left or right tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor activities, professions that require a dependable cutting tool, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw Cleaver Style Launch 14 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 15
The Launch 15 automatic knife sports a CPM MagnaCut blade steel, a first for the Launch series, a bayonet-style blade and handle, and natural micarta inlays for an enhanced grip, even in wet conditions.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM MagnaCut
- Blade length: 3.5 inches
- Blade style: Spear point
- Finish: BlackWash
- Overall length: 8.5 inches
- Weight: 3.1 ounces
- Handle material: Black anodized aluminum with Micarta inlays
- Pocket clip: Reversible tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw Bayonet Style Launch 15 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 17
Inspired by classic knife styles, the Launch 17 combines traditional design elements with modern materials. Like most models in the series, it's compact and easy to carry.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM S35VN
- Blade length: 3.5 inches
- Blade style: Clip point
- Finish: Black Cerakote
- Overall length: 8.45 inches
- Weight: 3.1 ounces
- Handle material: Aluminum with G-10 inserts
- Pocket clip: Left or right tip up
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, tactical, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7951 Launch 17 automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Launch 18
The Launch 18 has a rust-resistant, edge-retentive stainless steel blade. The stonewash finish gives it a unique rugged look.
Design and specifications
- Blade material: CPM 154
- Blade length: 2.79 inches
- Blade style: Spear point
- Finish: Stonewash
- Overall length: 6.79 inches
- Weight: 2.3 ounces
- Handle material: Aluminum
- Ideal uses: EDC, outdoor, knife collecting
Get the Kershaw 7551 Launch automatic knife from Northwest Knives.
Which is the right Kershaw Launch model for you?
To determine the right Kershaw Launch automatic for you, think about the following:
Intended use
- Everyday carry (EDC): Need an everyday pocketknife that's lightweight, compact, and easy to carry? Suitable options are the Launch 4 and Launch 12. They're practical and manageable in size.
- Outdoor and tactical use: For more demanding tasks like hiking and camping, get a sturdily built knife with a larger blade. The Launch 6 and Launch 13 can withstand challenging environments.
Budget
Prices may vary across retailers, so take time to visit review sites to get the best value for your money.
Some factors to consider regarding price:
- Entry level: The Kershaw Launch 4 and Launch 8 are generally more affordable than other models.
- Mid-range: The Launch 6 and Launch 11 are suitable for most users, balancing cost with features.
- Premium: Higher-end options like the Launch 15 and Launch 18 feature premium materials.
Personal preferences
- Blade style: What type of blade do you need? Do you want a small knife with full-sized cutting ability? The drop point blade, which can be found in the Launch 6, is a jack of all trades because it's good for various tasks. Meanwhile, the Launch 10's hawkbill blade is excellent for stripping wire or slicing cardboard boxes.
- Handle material: Aluminum handles, like those in the Launch 1 and Launch 10, are lightweight and durable. Some models, like the Launch 8, have carbon fiber for a premium look and feel.
- Size and weight: Get a Launch knife that meets your size and weight preferences. Smaller models like the Launch 4 can be carried in your pocket, while larger models like the Launch 6 can perform more tasks but can be too bulky for everyday carry.
Some Launch models have been discontinued. Check the Kershaw website for updates on discontinued models.
Reliable high-quality Kershaw Launch knives from Northwest Knives
Northwest Knives is a trusted online retailer of high-quality automatic knives—our long list of customers can attest to this. We provide various models from respected knife brands, including Kershaw, Spyderco, Benchmade, and Hogue.
Visit our collection of Kershaw knives to see which one best fits your needs. Got any questions? Contact our customer support team—we typically respond within 24 hours.
