No. The Kershaw Interstellar 1195 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 Interstellar does not meet that definition. It is a manual knife with an OTF deployment format, legal to purchase, own, and carry in all 50 states subject to standard manual knife carry laws in your jurisdiction.

The Interstellar uses a thumb slider on the body of the handle. Push the slider forward with your thumb and the tanto blade extends through the opening at the front of the handle, locking 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 larger 2.7-inch tanto blade gives the Interstellar more presence at full deployment than the compact Kapsule, while the manual slider mechanism remains the same straightforward push-forward, push-back operation.

A partially serrated edge combines a plain edge section near the handle with serrated teeth toward the tip on the same edge. On the Interstellar's tanto blade, the partial serrations work alongside the tanto's chisel-ground secondary edge — the serrations add aggressive cutting capability on fibrous and tough materials (rope, webbing, seatbelts, strapping, cordage) where the plain edge and tanto tip work cleanly. The partial serration configuration gives the Interstellar more edge versatility than either a fully plain or fully serrated tanto, covering a broader range of cutting tasks in a single blade. The serrated section is sharpened using a tapered ceramic or diamond rod, independently from the plain edge section.

The Kapsule (1190) and Interstellar (1195) are both manual OTF knives from Kershaw — same deployment format, same legal status, same 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. The differences are blade size, geometry, and edge configuration. The Kapsule runs a 1.9-inch spear point in stonewash — the compact, refined, design-forward piece designed by Jens Ansø, sized for keyring or coin-pocket carry. The Interstellar runs a 2.7-inch tanto with partial serrations in blackwash — larger, harder-use, more edge-configuration-specific, sized for pocket carry. For compact everyday carry and considered design, the Kapsule. For a larger hard-use manual OTF with tanto geometry and cutting versatility, the Interstellar.

8Cr13MoV is a Chinese stainless alloy at the entry and value tier, widely used in production knives at this price point. It offers good corrosion resistance — it handles pocket carry moisture and outdoor use without the surface rust concerns of semi-stainless tool steels like D2 — and is easy to sharpen on a ceramic rod or bench stone. Edge retention is lower than higher-tier steels, meaning the plain edge section will need more frequent touch-ups under sustained cutting use. For a hard-use manual OTF tool at this price point, 8Cr13MoV is appropriate — the blackwash coating adds a functional corrosion barrier on the blade face, and the easy resharpening of the steel is a practical advantage when both the plain edge and serrated section see regular use.

The Interstellar 1195 is a manual knife — not an automatic — which places it in the broadest legal carry category under most state laws. A 2.7-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, serration wear from cutting use, cosmetic blackwash finish wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Interstellar 1195 is manufactured in China under Kershaw's offshore production program. Kershaw designs, engineers, and quality-controls all models from their Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. The Interstellar carries the standard Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.