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 compact 2.75-inch Damascus 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 Damascus 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 7550DAM, 7550BRZ, and 7550RD are all Launch 11 compact automatics sharing the same 2.75-inch drop point blade geometry, KVT ball-bearing side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7550DAM runs Damascus steel on a black anodized milled aluminum handle — a per-blade-unique pattern that no stainless option can replicate, with machined texture grip, requiring active moisture management. The 7550BRZ runs CPM-154 stonewash on smooth bronze anodized aluminum — consistent stainless performance, warm-premium bronze carry, no special maintenance. The 7550RD runs CPM-154 stonewash on smooth red anodized aluminum — consistent stainless performance, bold red color statement. For a unique Damascus pattern with machined grip texture, the 7550DAM. For warm-premium stainless, the 7550BRZ. For bold red stainless, the 7550RD.

Damascus steel is produced by forge-welding two or more steel alloys in alternating layers, then manipulating the billet through twisting, folding, or drawing to create a pattern in the layered structure. The blade is ground to final geometry and acid-etched to reveal the contrasting layer pattern. Because the manipulation is done by hand, no two Damascus blades carry an identical pattern — the Launch 11 7550DAM you receive is the only one with that exact pattern in existence. On a 2.75-inch compact blade, the full Damascus pattern is proportionally concentrated — more visually dense per square inch than on a full-size Damascus blade. Confirm the alloy composition from Kershaw's published specs at kershawknives.com.

Damascus blades require active moisture management regardless of blade length. Wipe the blade dry immediately after any moisture exposure — hand oils, humidity, and environmental moisture can cause surface rust. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil, camellia oil, or dedicated blade oil after cleaning and before storage. The compact 2.75-inch blade accumulates pocket moisture readily with daily carry, making consistent oiling a routine maintenance habit. The etch pattern can be restored with ferric chloride re-etching if it fades over time. Damascus patina development and etch fading from use are not covered under the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty.

Milled aluminum refers to aluminum that has been machined with a milling tool to create a defined surface texture pattern — grooves, channels, or facets cut into the aluminum surface before anodizing. The result is a handle with tactile grip texture built into the aluminum structure itself rather than applied over it via an overlay material like G-10 or Micarta. Milled aluminum provides positive grip character through its machined texture while maintaining the structural integrity and weight of aluminum, with the anodized finish applied over the milled surface for consistent color and corrosion protection. On the 7550DAM, the milled black aluminum handle is the only handle in the Launch 11 lineup with machined texture — the 7550BRZ and 7550RD run smooth anodized aluminum. Confirm the specific milling pattern from Kershaw's product images at kershawknives.com.

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, Damascus patina development, etch pattern fading from use, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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