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 2.79-inch CPM-154 spear 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. A 2.79-inch blade clears the carry length threshold in most US jurisdictions — but automatic knife classification is independent of blade length restrictions, and the automatic deployment mechanism subjects the Launch 18 to the same automatic knife laws that apply to full-size Launch variants. 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 now spans three variants, all sharing the same 2.79-inch spear point blade geometry, side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7551OL runs CPM-154 stonewash on OD green anodized aluminum — the field-carry configuration, operationally credible color for tactical, law enforcement, military, and outdoor carry contexts. The 7551 runs CPM-154 stonewash on gray anodized aluminum — the neutral professional carry configuration, context-free and carry-discreet for professional and dress carry. The 7551DAM runs Damascus steel on gray anodized aluminum — the premium visual configuration, per-blade-unique Damascus pattern requiring active moisture maintenance. For field-carry OD green, the 7551OL. For neutral professional carry, the 7551. For unique Damascus, the 7551DAM.

OD green — olive drab — is the color associated with military field gear, law enforcement equipment, and professional outdoor carry systems. It carries an immediate and unambiguous field-carry signal that no other production anodize color replicates: it reads as operational intent. For first responders, law enforcement, military personnel, and tactical outdoor carry professionals who carry OD green or coyote brown across their gear, the 7551OL completes their compact automatic carry in a color that matches their system. For carry environments where the 7551's neutral gray reads as appropriately discreet, the OD green of the 7551OL reads as appropriately field-ready.

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 2.79-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, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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