The Kershaw Launch 11 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 through the KVT ball-bearing pivot. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 11 is a folding automatic knife — the 2.75-inch CPM-154 drop 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 2.75-inch blade clears the carry length threshold in most 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 Launch 11 family now spans four variants, all sharing the same 2.75-inch drop point geometry, KVT ball-bearing deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7550RAW runs CPM-154 stonewash on raw silver aluminum — the most materially honest configuration, bare steel and bare aluminum unified in the same cool natural-metal register, both developing patina with carry. The 7550BRZ runs CPM-154 stonewash on bronze anodized aluminum — the warm-premium configuration, cool stonewash against warm golden-brown bronze. The 7550RD runs CPM-154 stonewash on red anodized aluminum — the bold color-assertive configuration. The 7550DAM runs Damascus on black anodized milled aluminum — the per-blade-unique premium visual configuration with machined grip texture. All four deliver the same 2.75-inch compact drop point deployment. For honest bare-metal natural patina carry, the 7550RAW.

Raw aluminum is unfinished aluminum — no anodizing, no coating, no surface treatment beyond machining. Where anodized aluminum has an electrochemical oxide layer that adds color and surface hardness, raw aluminum shows the natural silver-grey of bare metal and develops contact marks, handling oils, and a natural patina with carry. This is not rust or corrosion — aluminum does not rust, and the surface change is cosmetic contact character rather than structural damage. Raw aluminum and stonewash CPM-154 are a materially complementary pairing: both are bare natural metal surfaces in the same cool silver-grey register, both developing honest character with carry. The 7550RAW is one of only a few Launch automatics offering this fully uncoated bare-metal aesthetic on both blade and handle.

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 2.75-inch blade used for continuous everyday incidental tasks, edge retention is especially important — CPM-154 keeps the drop point cutting cleanly through more cycles before maintenance. It sharpens readily on standard ceramic rods and requires no special maintenance in carry conditions.

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, stonewash patina development, raw aluminum contact marks and patina, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 11 7550RAW 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 7550RAW carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.