The Kershaw Launch 18 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 18 is a folding automatic knife — the compact CPM-154 drop point pivots from the handle. Despite the compact blade length, the deployment mechanism delivers the same fast, positive action as the full-size Launch variants. 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. The compact blade length clears the carry length threshold in most 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 Launch 18 family spans multiple variants all sharing the same compact blade format, KVT ball-bearing side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7551BLK runs a black CPM-154 drop point on black anodized aluminum — the fully unified all-black configuration, black blade and black handle as a single zero-signature unit. The 7551BLKSW runs CPM-154 stonewash on black anodized aluminum — stonewash blade shows natural bare steel texture against the black handle. The 7551 runs CPM-154 stonewash on gray anodized aluminum — neutral professional gray carry. The 7551OL runs CPM-154 stonewash on OD green — field-carry tactical signal. The 7551DAM runs Damascus on gray aluminum — premium per-blade-unique visual. For the most fully unified all-black compact automatic, the 7551BLK.

Stonewash CPM-154 shows the natural textured surface of bare steel — the tumbling process creates a matte, low-reflectance texture that reveals the steel's own cool silver-grey color and develops a natural working patina with carry. A black blade finish applies a coating over the CPM-154 substrate, covering the natural steel color with a uniform dark surface and adding a functional corrosion barrier on top of CPM-154's already excellent stainless resistance. The black finish produces a blade that reads as a single unified dark unit with the black anodized handle — no tonal variation, no material contrast between blade and handle — where stonewash shows its steel nature. For the most fully unified all-black carry profile, the black finish. For natural bare steel showing its own color, stonewash.

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 blade used for continuous everyday incidental tasks, edge retention is especially important — CPM-154 keeps the blade 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, black blade finish wear, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 18 7551BLK 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 7551BLK carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.