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, and the automatic deployment mechanism subjects the Launch 11 to the same automatic knife laws that apply to full-size Launch variants. 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 7550RD and 7550BRZ are the two Launch 11 colorways — identical CPM-154 stonewash drop point blade, 2.75-inch blade length, KVT ball-bearing side-button deployment, liner lock, aluminum handle construction, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is the anodized handle color. The 7550RD runs a bold saturated red anodize — the most visually assertive and high-contrast compact Launch colorway, cool bare stonewash steel reading against a bold red for a color-present, carry-statement configuration. The 7550BRZ runs a rich golden-brown bronze anodize — the most refined and warm-premium compact Launch colorway, cool bare stonewash steel reading against warm bronze for a premium warm-on-cool pairing that reads as more considered and less bold. For maximum color presence and carry statement, the 7550RD. For warm-premium refined carry, the 7550BRZ.

Stonewash CPM-154 shows the natural cool silver-grey of bare steel — matte, low-reflectance, no coating. Red anodized aluminum sits in the saturated bold register — a primary color that reads with immediate visual presence. The pairing of cool matte silver-grey stonewash against saturated red creates the highest-contrast color combination in the Launch 11 lineup: opposite tonal registers, opposite saturation levels, opposite reflectance. Where the 7550BRZ's bronze reads as warm and tonally close to the blade, the 7550RD's red reads as opposite and assertive. Red anodizing creates a hard aluminum oxide layer integral to the metal — the color cannot chip or peel, though the anodize will show honest contact wear at high-use points over time.

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, cosmetic stonewash patina development, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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