California Penal Code Section 21510 prohibits carrying, possessing in a vehicle, or selling a “switchblade knife” as defined by CPC 17235. Because the 7130BLUBLK blade is 1.9 inches — below the 2-inch trigger length in CPC 17235 — the knife is designed to fall outside that statutory definition.

Important caveats: local city and county ordinances within California may impose additional restrictions. Laws can also change. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice. Confirm current California state and local law before purchasing or carrying this or any knife. For state-by-state knife law information, see akti.org.

At the state level, California Penal Code 17235 defines switchblades as having a blade 2 inches or longer, and CPC 21510 prohibits carry of switchblades so defined. The 1.9-inch blade is designed to fall below this threshold. However, some California cities and counties have enacted more restrictive knife ordinances, and certain locations (courthouses, schools, airports, government buildings) restrict all knives regardless of type or blade length.

Always confirm the current knife laws for your specific city, county, and the specific locations where you intend to carry before purchasing. Knifeworks does not provide legal advice; consult current California statutes and local ordinances or an attorney if you need confirmation.

The standard Launch 12 (7125TEALBLK) has a 2.4-inch stiletto blade and comes in a teal aluminum + carbon fiber handle. The CA-Legal variant (7130BLUBLK) has a 1.9-inch stiletto blade and comes in a blue aluminum + carbon fiber handle. Both use CPM-154 steel, the same side-button automatic action, liner lock, reversible deep-carry clip, and USA manufacture.

The 0.5-inch difference in blade length affects cutting utility somewhat — the 1.9-inch blade is more limited on heavier cutting tasks — but for EDC tasks like opening packages, fine cutting, and general utility it performs well. If you are carrying outside California in a jurisdiction where the 2.4-inch blade is legal, the standard Launch 12 gives you more usable edge.

A stiletto has a slender, symmetrically tapered profile terminating in a fine needle point. Both the spine and the cutting edge curve gently toward a centered tip, unlike a drop point where the spine drops sharply and most of the curve is on the cutting edge. The stiletto prioritizes piercing ability and a refined, classic aesthetic over the belly and slicing geometry of a drop point.

On a 1.9-inch blade, the stiletto profile is well-suited to fine detail cutting, seam opening, precision tasks, and everyday utility work that does not require sustained slicing. For buyers who appreciate the look of a classic stiletto in a genuinely compact, USA-made automatic, the Launch 12 CA-Legal delivers that in a legal carry package for California.

The handle is blue anodized 6061-T6 aluminum — the structural core — with a woven carbon fiber inlay panel set into the face. The aluminum provides rigidity and durability; the carbon fiber inlay contributes grip texture and a premium visual character. The blue anodizing is clean, professional, and distinctive without being tactical. The color differentiates the CA-Legal 7130BLUBLK from the teal 7125TEALBLK standard variant, making them easily distinguishable in a collection or display.

Yes. CPM-154 powder-metallurgy stainless — hardened to 59–61 HRC — performs the same regardless of blade length. The steel delivers excellent edge retention, good corrosion resistance, and easy sharpenability on ceramic or diamond stones. At 1.9 inches of working edge, a steel that holds its sharpness well matters more per inch than it does on a larger blade, which is exactly what CPM-154 provides.

Kershaw does not use a lower grade of steel in the CA-Legal version. The 7130BLUBLK carries the same CPM-154 as the 3.75-inch Launch 6 — the CA-legal designation is purely about blade length, not steel quality.

The Kershaw Launch 12 CA-Legal measures approximately 5.9 inches overall when open and 4.0 inches closed. The stiletto blade is 1.9 inches long. The knife weighs approximately 1.9 oz and carries on a reversible deep-carry clip in tip-up configuration for either hand. It is the lightest and smallest automatic in the Kershaw Launch series.

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 12 we sell — including the CA-Legal variant — is covered by this warranty. For warranty service, contact Kershaw directly at kershawknives.com.