The Kershaw Launch 4 uses a side-button automatic mechanism — press the button on the spine of the handle and the blade deploys instantly, locking open via the liner lock. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 4 is a folding automatic knife — the compact 1.9-inch CPM-154 spear point pivots from the handle. Despite the compact blade length, the deployment mechanism delivers the same fast, positive action as the full-size Launch variants. Automatic knives are subject to the same state and federal restrictions as OTF automatics. See the legality FAQ below before purchasing.

Side-button automatic knives are subject to strict regulation under federal and state law. Under federal law, the interstate sale and transport of automatic knives is restricted. State laws vary significantly: some states permit automatic knives freely, some restrict blade length, some require permits or military or law enforcement status, and some prohibit them entirely. A 1.9-inch blade clears the carry length threshold in virtually all US jurisdictions — but automatic knife classification is independent of blade length restrictions. Verify automatic knife legality in your state, county, and municipality before purchasing. Check your local laws at akti.org or call us at 888-225-9775.

The 7500BLK and 7500OLBLK are both Launch 4 automatics sharing the identical CPM-154 black Cerakote spear point blade, 1.9-inch blade length, side-button deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is handle color. The 7500BLK runs black anodized aluminum — fully unified zero-signature, no color contrast anywhere on the knife. The 7500OLBLK runs OD green anodized aluminum — a field-credible color signal paired against the same black Cerakote blade. Both deliver identical CPM-154 cutting performance with identical Cerakote coating protection. For complete zero-signature carry, the 7500BLK. For field-credible OD green with the same black blade, the 7500OLBLK.

The Launch 4 family spans six variants, all sharing the same 1.9-inch spear point geometry, side-button deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7500BLK and 7500OLBLK both run CPM-154 black Cerakote — the only Cerakote-coated finishes in the family, on black and OD green handles respectively. The 7500RAW, 7500BLU, and 7500BRZ all run CPM-154 satin — bare polished steel — on raw, blue, and bronze handles. The 7500DAM runs Damascus on black aluminum — per-blade-unique pattern, active moisture maintenance required. For Cerakote-coated zero-signature carry, the 7500BLK. For Cerakote-coated field-credible carry, the 7500OLBLK. For satin steel in various colors, the 7500RAW, 7500BLU, or 7500BRZ. For Damascus uniqueness, the 7500DAM.

Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating applied by spray and thermally cured onto the metal surface — harder than PVD, more impact and abrasion resistant than black-oxide. Satin, used on the 7500RAW, 7500BLU, and 7500BRZ, is a smooth, reflective surface finish applied to bare CPM-154 steel with no coating layer — the steel's own polished surface and color are what you see. Cerakote adds a functional corrosion barrier on top of CPM-154's already excellent stainless resistance, while satin shows the bare steel directly. The 7500BLK and 7500OLBLK are the only Cerakote-finished Launch 4 variants.

CPM-154 is the powder metallurgy version of the classic 154CM stainless steel formula, produced by Crucible Industries. The powder metallurgy process produces a more uniform carbide distribution than conventionally melted 154CM, resulting in better edge retention, improved toughness, and cleaner sharpening behavior while retaining 154CM's excellent corrosion resistance. In a compact 1.9-inch blade used for continuous everyday tasks, edge retention is especially important — CPM-154 keeps the blade functional through extended carry cycles. The Cerakote coating adds a further corrosion barrier on top.

Kershaw offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If the knife fails due to a manufacturing defect, Kershaw will repair or replace it at no charge. Warranty service is handled directly by Kershaw — not Knifeworks. Submit a claim through Kershaw's website at kershawknives.com with a description of the issue and proof of purchase. Normal wear, Cerakote finish wear at the blade bevel, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 4 7500BLK is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. Domestic manufacture is a consistent feature of the full Launch series. The 7500BLK carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.