At the federal level, the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 restricts interstate commerce of automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches, with exemptions for authorized dealers and military/law enforcement. Most states have their own statutes that supersede or supplement federal law. Always confirm legality in your state before ordering.

CPM-154 is a high-chromium stainless steel (14% Cr, 4% Mo, 1.05% C) typically hardened to 59–61 HRC. The powder-metallurgy process produces a more uniform carbide structure than conventional 154CM, improving toughness and reducing micro-chipping under hard use. For an automatic deployment knife, that toughness matters — the blade impacts the lock at high speed every time it opens.

Edge retention is excellent for a stainless steel and significantly better than AUS-8, 8Cr13MoV, or standard 154CM. It sharpens easily on ceramic or diamond stones and resists corrosion well enough for daily carry without extra maintenance.

The Launch 6 uses a side-button automatic mechanism with a coil spring that drives the blade open when the button is pressed. The button is ambidextrous — operable from either side of the handle for both right- and left-handed users. A liner lock holds the blade securely open; to close, disengage the liner and fold the blade back manually.

Kershaw's Launch series automatic action is fast, consistent, and reliable over thousands of cycles. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle provides enough rigidity that the mechanism remains precise even with heavy use.

The Kershaw Launch 6 measures 8.75 inches overall when open and 5.0 inches closed. The drop-point blade is 3.75 inches long and 0.14 inches thick, ground flat. The knife weighs 4.0 oz and carries on a reversible deep-carry clip in a tip-up configuration for either hand.

Yes — where automatic knives are legal to carry. At 4.0 oz with a deep-carry clip, it disappears in a pocket while offering a 3.75-inch blade for most daily cutting tasks. The ambidextrous side button provides fast, consistent deployment with either hand.

The OD Green anodized aluminum handle resists cosmetic wear that plagues G10 and carbon fiber over time, and CPM-154 holds a working edge for weeks of daily use before needing a touch-up. Among USA-made automatics in the $150–$175 range, the Launch 6 is one of the strongest values in the Kershaw lineup.

Kershaw warrants every Kershaw-brand product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner. If a valid defect is found, Kershaw will repair or replace the item at their discretion. Because Knifeworks is an authorized Kershaw dealer, every Launch 6 we sell is covered by this warranty. For warranty service, contact Kershaw directly at kershawknives.com.

Note that the warranty covers manufacturing defects, not damage from misuse, sharpening, or normal wear.

Wipe the blade clean after use and apply a light coat of oil for extended storage. Avoid dragging the blade across abrasive surfaces. Sharpening will remove the DLC at the edge bevel, which is expected — the coating on the flats remains. For sharpening CPM-154, use ceramic rods or diamond stones at 20 degrees per side for general use, or 17–18 degrees for a finer working edge.

All Kershaw Launch 6 variants share the same 3.75-inch CPM-154 drop-point blade, 8.75-inch overall length, ambidextrous side-button automatic action, and USA manufacture. The differences are handle color (black, OD Green, blue, red, bronze) and blade finish (satin or Black DLC). The 7800OLBLK pairs OD Green anodized 6061-T6 aluminum with a Black DLC blade, which reduces reflectivity and adds surface hardness compared to the satin variants.