No. The Kershaw Cybernet 2046 is a manual out-the-front knife, not an automatic. It deploys via a thumb-actuated slider that mechanically pushes the blade forward through the front of the handle — there is no spring mechanism, no button release, and no automatic classification. Under federal law, an automatic knife is defined as one that opens by the release of a button, pressure on the handle, or other mechanical device that causes the blade to open automatically. The Cybernet does not meet that definition. It is a manual knife with an OTF deployment format and is legal to purchase, own, and carry in all 50 states subject to standard manual knife carry laws in your jurisdiction.

The Cybernet uses a thumb slider on the body of the stainless steel handle. Push the slider forward with your thumb and the blade extends through the opening at the front of the handle, locking open at full extension. Push the slider back and the blade retracts into the handle. Both movements require deliberate thumb pressure — the blade does not spring open or close on its own. The mechanism operates the same way as the Kapsule (1190) and Interstellar (1195) but in a full stainless steel housing that sits and feels differently in the hand than polymer.

The Cybernet (2046), Kapsule (1190), and Interstellar (1195) are all Kershaw manual OTF knives sharing the same legal status, deployment format, and no-spring-mechanism classification. The Cybernet distinguishes itself on two counts: handle material and blade steel. The Cybernet uses a stonewashed stainless steel handle — a full-metal construction that feels more premium and substantial than the polymer of the Kapsule or the GFN of the Interstellar. The Cybernet uses D2 tool steel — a high-carbide steel with significantly better edge retention than the 8Cr13MoV in the Kapsule and Interstellar, holding a working edge through more cutting cycles before maintenance. The Kapsule is the most compact and design-forward option at 1.9 inches. The Interstellar adds a tanto and partial serrations for hard-use cutting at 2.7 inches. The Cybernet is the premium-material, higher-steel-performance option at 2.4 inches.

D2 is a high-carbon, high-chromium tool steel with a long track record in production folders and OTF knives at this price tier. Its high carbide content delivers edge retention and wear resistance well above the 8Cr13MoV found in the Kapsule and Interstellar — D2 holds a working edge through significantly more cutting cycles before needing attention. The trade-off is modest susceptibility to surface rust if left wet without care. D2 is classified as semi-stainless rather than true stainless — it benefits from a wipe-dry after moisture exposure and a light coat of blade oil before storage. For buyers who cut frequently and want to sharpen less often, D2 is the right call over 8Cr13MoV at this price tier.

A two-tone blade finish applies two distinct surface treatments to the same blade — typically one finish on the flat faces of the blade and a different finish on the bevel or edge section. On the Cybernet, the two-tone treatment creates a visually distinct blade where the stonewash texture of the flats contrasts with the different finish at the bevel, making the spear point's grind geometry immediately readable at a glance. The two-tone presentation is both an aesthetic choice and a functional one — the different finishes at the flat and bevel reflect light differently, making the edge easier to align during sharpening and showing the blade's cross-section geometry clearly. Confirm the specific two-tone combination against Kershaw's spec sheet at kershawknives.com before publishing product detail pages.

The Cybernet 2046 is a manual knife — not an automatic — which places it in the broadest legal carry category under most state laws. A 2.4-inch blade clears the carry limit in the majority of US jurisdictions, though some cities and municipalities set lower blade length thresholds. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice. Check your local laws at akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) before carrying, or call us at 888-225-9775.

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, cosmetic finish wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Cybernet 2046 is manufactured in China under Kershaw's offshore production program. Kershaw designs, engineers, and quality-controls all models from their Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. The Cybernet carries the standard Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.