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 blackwash 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 7125GRYBW and 7125DAM are both Launch 12 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 steel and finish. The 7125GRYBW runs CPM-154 under a blackwash finish — consistent, measurable stainless performance, no active moisture maintenance, a dimensional dark blade. The 7125DAM runs forged Damascus under an acid etch — a pattern unique to each blade, requiring active moisture management. The handle is identical on both; the blade is the entire decision. For no-maintenance consistent stainless, the 7125GRYBW. For per-blade-unique Damascus, the 7125DAM.

Blackwash applies a dark coating over a stonewash base — the stonewash tumbling process creates micro-texture variation in the surface underneath, and the subsequent dark coating sits over those micro-variations rather than a perfectly flat substrate. The result is a blade surface with dimensional depth rather than a uniform flat black, visible across the spear point's symmetrical blade face. The dark dimensional finish pairs with the cool gray aluminum handle for a precise, professional-carry aesthetic on the mini automatic format.

At 2.4 inches, the Launch 12 sits between the ultra-compact Launch 9 (2 inches) and the larger compact Launch 11 and Launch 18 platforms (2.75 and 2.79 inches). The Launch 4 sits below all of these at 1.9 inches as the most ultra-compact format in the Launch lineup. For the smallest possible automatic, the Launch 4. For ultra-compact with slightly more blade, the Launch 9. For a mini step up in capability while remaining compact, the Launch 12. For the largest of the compact platforms, the Launch 11 or Launch 18.

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

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