The Kershaw Launch 13 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 through the KVT ball-bearing pivot. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 13 is a folding automatic knife — the 3.5-inch CPM-154 Wharncliffe 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. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice. It is your responsibility to verify that automatic knives are legal in your state, county, and municipality before purchasing. Check your local laws at akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) or call us at 888-225-9775 — we will not ship to addresses in states where automatic knives are prohibited.

The 7650BLK and 7650RAW are the two Launch 13 configurations — the same CPM-154 Wharncliffe blade geometry, 3.5-inch blade length, KVT ball-bearing side-button automatic deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The difference is blade finish and handle treatment. The 7650BLK runs a black blade finish on a black anodized aluminum handle — fully unified all-black, zero visual signature, the most carry-neutral Wharncliffe configuration. The 7650RAW runs a stonewash blade on a silver/raw aluminum handle — bare natural CPM-154 steel showing its own color against uncoated aluminum, developing patina with carry, the most materially honest configuration. Both deliver identical CPM-154 cutting performance. For all-black zero-signature carry, the 7650BLK. For natural bare steel and patina-developing aluminum, the 7650RAW.

A Wharncliffe blade keeps the spine completely flat and curves the entire edge upward from handle to tip, meeting the flat spine at a centered point. This produces a flat cutting surface that runs parallel to the work surface for the full blade length — useful for box cutting, precision push cuts, and controlled slicing tasks where maintaining flat edge contact matters. The centered tip gives precise control over where the blade enters the work surface on a push cut. The flat spine provides a natural surface for index finger placement in a saber grip for detail work. The Wharncliffe is the precision push-cut and flat-contact slicing specialist — the only Wharncliffe automatic in the Launch lineup.

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 3.5-inch Wharncliffe used for precision daily cutting tasks, CPM-154 keeps the flat edge cutting cleanly through more cycles before maintenance. It sharpens readily on standard ceramic rods and diamond bench stones. The black coating on the 7650BLK adds a functional corrosion barrier on top of CPM-154's already excellent stainless resistance.

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 blade finish wear at the bevel, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 13 7650BLK 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 7650BLK carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.