At the federal level, the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 restricts interstate commerce of automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches, with exemptions for authorized dealers and military/law enforcement. Most states have their own statutes. At 2.75 inches, the Launch 11 blade falls under common blade-length thresholds in some jurisdictions, but you must verify the current laws in your specific state and municipality before ordering.

Kershaw designed the Launch 11 as a genuinely compact automatic — not just a shorter version of a larger knife, but a purpose-built small automatic with a 2.75-inch blade and a 3.75-inch closed length. At 2.75 inches, the blade clears a common 3-inch threshold used in some state and local carry statutes, which may expand the carry contexts where the knife is legal compared to the 3.4-inch Launch 1 or 3.75-inch Launch 6.

Beyond carry law, the compact size translates to genuine pocket presence — the Launch 11 weighs 2.2 oz and closes to 3.75 inches, making it one of the least intrusive automatics available from a major USA manufacturer. The tradeoff is less usable cutting edge for heavier tasks; for fine detail work, box opening, and general utility, the 2.75-inch blade is fully capable.

At 2.75 inches of blade, the steel choice matters more than on a larger knife — there is less edge to work with, so it needs to stay sharp longer between touch-ups. CPM-154 powder-metallurgy stainless, hardened to 59–61 HRC, delivers edge retention that noticeably outperforms budget steels like AUS-8 or 8Cr13MoV commonly found in import automatics at similar prices.

CPM-154 is also the powder-metallurgy upgrade to standard 154CM — same high-chromium, molybdenum-bearing alloy processed for finer carbide distribution and better toughness. For an automatic deployment knife, that toughness is relevant because the blade impacts the lock at high speed on every open cycle. CPM-154 handles that stress reliably and sharpens easily on ceramic or diamond stones.

The Launch 11 uses the same side-button automatic mechanism found across the Kershaw Launch series — a coil spring drives the blade open when the ambidextrous side button is pressed. The button is operable from either side of the handle for both right- and left-handed users. A liner lock holds the blade securely open. To close, disengage the liner and fold the blade back manually.

The Kershaw Launch 11 measures 6.5 inches overall when open and 3.75 inches closed — notably shorter than the Launch 1 (4.5 inches closed) or Launch 6 (5.0 inches closed). The drop-point blade is 2.75 inches long and 0.09 inches thick. The knife weighs 2.2 oz and carries on a reversible deep-carry clip in tip-up configuration for either hand.

Yes — where automatic knives are legal to carry. The Launch 11 is optimized for carry above everything else. At 2.2 oz and 3.75 inches closed, it is lighter and shorter than virtually any other USA-made automatic from a major manufacturer. It rides so low in a pocket that it becomes genuinely forgettable to carry.

The 2.75-inch CPM-154 blade handles all standard EDC cutting tasks — opening boxes and packages, food prep, cordage, everyday utility. It is not a work knife for sustained heavy cutting, but it was never meant to be. If you carry a knife primarily as a utility tool and want the smallest, lightest USA-made automatic available, the Launch 11 is the right choice.

Kershaw warrants every Kershaw-brand product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner. If a valid defect is found, Kershaw will repair or replace the item at their discretion. Because Knifeworks is an authorized Kershaw dealer, every Launch 11 we sell is covered by this warranty. For warranty service, contact Kershaw directly at kershawknives.com.

All three share CPM-154 steel, ambidextrous side-button automatic action, liner lock, reversible deep-carry clip, and USA manufacture. The differences are blade length and overall size.

The Launch 11 (7550) has a 2.75-inch drop-point blade, closes to 3.75 inches, and weighs 2.2 oz — the smallest and lightest. The Launch 1 (7100BW) has a 3.4-inch drop-point blade, closes to 4.5 inches, and weighs 3.0 oz. The Launch 6 (7800 series) has a 3.75-inch drop-point blade, closes to 5.0 inches, and weighs 4.0 oz. Choose the Launch 11 for maximum compactness and the widest carry compatibility by blade length; move to the Launch 1 or Launch 6 if you want more usable blade.