"CA-Legal" in the product name refers to the 7130GRYSW's 1.9-inch blade length, which falls under California's general blade-length threshold for automatic knives. This labeling describes the knife's blade length relative to a commonly cited legal threshold — it is not a guarantee of legality for your specific situation. Knife laws vary by state and can include additional restrictions beyond blade length, such as where the knife may be carried, who may possess one, and local ordinances that differ from state law. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice, and a product label is not a substitute for your own verification of current law. Confirm current automatic knife regulations for your specific state, county, and city — including any recent changes — before purchasing or carrying this knife. Check akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) or call us at 888-225-9775 with questions, and consult an attorney if you need a legal opinion specific to your situation.

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 1.9-inch CPM-154 stonewash spear point pivots from the handle. Automatic knife deployment mechanisms, regardless of blade length, are subject to applicable state and federal restrictions. See the previous FAQ for legality considerations before purchasing.

Automatic knife laws vary significantly by state regardless of blade length. Some states permit automatic knives of any blade length; some apply their own length thresholds different from California's; some restrict automatic knife ownership entirely regardless of size; some require permits or military or law enforcement status. A 1.9-inch blade does not automatically satisfy every state's requirements — it specifically addresses the common 2-inch threshold cited in California and similar jurisdictions. Verify automatic knife legality in your specific state, county, and municipality before purchasing. Check your local laws at akti.org or call us at 888-225-9775 — we will not ship to addresses in states where automatic knives are prohibited.

The Launch 12 CA-Legal family now spans three confirmed variants, all sharing the same 1.9-inch CPM-154 spear point geometry, side-button deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7130GRYSW runs stonewash on gray aluminum with carbon fiber inlay — the most carry-neutral configuration, natural steel and neutral handle in the same cool tonal register. The 7130OLSW runs stonewash on OD green aluminum with carbon fiber inlay — natural steel with a field-credible color signal. The 7130BLUBW runs blackwash on blue aluminum with carbon fiber inlay — a dark coated, dimensional blade against a bold color statement. These three SKUs suggest a fourth combination — CPM-154 blackwash on gray aluminum — may complete a four-variant matrix mirroring the confirmed Launch 9 CA-Legal family structure. For the most professionally neutral CA-Legal compact automatic, the 7130GRYSW.

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 1.9-inch blade used for continuous everyday incidental tasks, edge retention is especially important — CPM-154 keeps the spear 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, carbon fiber surface wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 12 7130GRYSW 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 7130GRYSW carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.