No. The Kershaw Kapsule 1190 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 Kapsule 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. This is the fundamental legal difference between the Kapsule and the Livewire OTF series.

The Kapsule uses a thumb slider on the spine of the 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. The deployment and retraction both require deliberate thumb pressure — the blade does not spring open or close on its own at any point. The mechanism is straightforward, reliable, and requires no special technique beyond a direct thumb push in each direction.

Jens Ansø is a Danish knife designer known for clean, functional design language and an emphasis on purposeful form — handles that fit the hand naturally without excessive texture or aggressive contouring, and blade geometries that work without overstating their intent. His collaborations with Kershaw have produced production knives with a distinctly considered aesthetic that stands apart from the more tactical-influenced production mainstream. On the Kapsule, Ansø's influence is visible in the handle geometry — compact, ergonomic, and readable as a designed object in a way that a utility polymer handle typically is not. The Kapsule is both a functional EDC tool and a representation of what considered design looks like at a production price point.

The Kapsule and the Livewire series both deploy a blade through the front of the handle — that is where the similarity ends. The Livewire is a spring-loaded automatic OTF in CPM MagnaCut or Damascus steel, legal only in states that permit automatic knives, sized for full-size carry at 3.3–3.35 inches of blade, and priced accordingly. The Kapsule is a manual OTF in 8Cr13MoV steel at 1.9 inches of blade, legal in all 50 states, sized for compact coin-pocket or keyring carry, and priced as an accessible everyday carry tool. If you want the OTF deployment experience without automatic knife restrictions and in a truly compact form factor, the Kapsule. If you want a full-size OTF automatic with premium steel and are in a state that permits automatic knives, the Livewire.

8Cr13MoV is a Chinese stainless alloy used in entry and value-tier production knives. It offers good corrosion resistance for a pocket knife and is notably easy to sharpen — it responds quickly to a ceramic rod or bench stone and comes back to a working edge without difficulty. The trade-off compared to higher-tier steels is edge retention: 8Cr13MoV dulls faster under sustained cutting use and requires more frequent touch-ups. For a 1.9-inch compact EDC tool used for light everyday tasks — opening packages, cutting tape, food prep on the go — 8Cr13MoV is fully adequate and its easy resharpening is a practical advantage for a carry piece this size.

The Kapsule 1190 is a manual folding knife with a 1.9-inch blade — not an automatic knife. This places it in the broadest legal carry category under virtually all US state laws. A 1.9-inch blade clears the carry limit in all US jurisdictions, including the most restrictive cities and municipalities that set low blade length thresholds. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice. If you have questions about specific local regulations, check akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) 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 Kapsule 1190 is manufactured in China under Kershaw's offshore production program. Kershaw designs, engineers, and quality-controls all models from their Tualatin, Oregon headquarters — the Jens Ansø design collaboration is developed and specified in partnership with Kershaw's product team regardless of where the production run is manufactured. The Kapsule carries the standard Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.