The Kershaw Launch 12 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. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 12 is a folding automatic knife — the 2.4-inch CPM-154 stonewash spear point pivots from the handle. 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 2.4-inch blade clears the carry length threshold in virtually all 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 7125GRY and 7125GRYBW are both Launch 12 standard mini automatics sharing the same 2.4-inch spear point geometry, the same gray aluminum and carbon fiber inlay handle, side-button deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is blade finish. The 7125GRY runs stonewash — natural textured bare steel showing CPM-154's own cool silver-grey color, developing a working patina with carry. The 7125GRYBW runs blackwash — a dark coating applied over that same stonewash base, producing a more dimensional dark blade. For natural bare steel and a developing patina, the 7125GRY. For a darker, more dimensional coated blade, the 7125GRYBW.

The standard Launch 12 line — under the 7125 prefix, with no CA-Legal designation — now spans three confirmed variants, all at 2.4 inches with the same gray aluminum and carbon fiber inlay handle. The 7125GRY runs CPM-154 stonewash — natural bare steel. The 7125GRYBW runs CPM-154 blackwash — dark dimensional coated steel. The 7125DAM runs forged Damascus — per-blade-unique pattern, requiring active moisture maintenance. This is a separate Launch 12 sub-platform from the 1.9-inch CA-Legal line under the 7130 prefix (7130GRYSW, 7130OLSW, 7130BLUBW). For natural steel in the standard mini format, the 7125GRY. For dark coated steel, the 7125GRYBW. For Damascus uniqueness, the 7125DAM.

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 the Launch 12 mini format, CPM-154 delivers consistent stainless performance with no active moisture maintenance required, sharpening readily on standard equipment.

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 wear, carbon fiber surface wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 12 7125GRY 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 7125GRY carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.