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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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. 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 7551DAM and the 7551 are both Launch 18 compact automatics sharing the same 2.79-inch blade length, spear point geometry, gray anodized aluminum handle, KVT ball-bearing side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is blade steel. The 7551 runs CPM-154 stainless in a stonewash finish — consistent, measurable powder metallurgy stainless performance, no special maintenance required, stonewash develops a natural patina with carry. The 7551DAM runs Damascus steel in an acid etch finish — a pattern unique to each blade that no stainless option can replicate, warm etched tones reading as a visual accent against the neutral gray handle, requires active moisture management with regular oiling. For low-maintenance consistent stainless performance, the 7551. For a per-blade-unique Damascus pattern with a warm etch accent on gray, the 7551DAM.

Damascus steel is produced by forge-welding two or more steel alloys in alternating layers, then manipulating the billet through twisting, folding, or drawing to create a specific pattern in the layered structure. The blade is ground to final geometry and acid-etched to reveal the contrasting layer pattern across the finished blade face. Because the manipulation is done by hand, no two Damascus blades carry an identical pattern — the Launch 18 7551DAM you receive is the only one with that exact pattern in existence. On a 2.79-inch compact blade, the full Damascus pattern is proportionally concentrated — more visually dense per square inch than on a full-size Damascus blade. Confirm the alloy composition from Kershaw's published specs at kershawknives.com.

Damascus blades require active moisture management regardless of blade length. Wipe the blade dry immediately after any moisture exposure — hand oils, humidity, and environmental moisture can cause surface rust. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil, camellia oil, or dedicated blade oil after cleaning and before storage. The compact 2.79-inch blade accumulates pocket moisture readily with daily carry, making consistent oiling a routine maintenance habit. Avoid acidic materials that damage the etch pattern. The etch pattern can be restored with ferric chloride re-etching if it fades over time.

The 7551DAM and the 7250DAM are the two compact Damascus automatics in the Launch lineup, both USA made with KVT ball-bearing side-button deployment. The 7551DAM runs a 2.79-inch Damascus spear point on gray anodized aluminum — the more capable compact for everyday cutting tasks, spear point for versatile everyday utility, neutral gray for professional carry. The 7250DAM runs a 2-inch Damascus drop point on black aluminum — the most compact and discrete carry format, ultra-compact for shirt pocket and formal carry, zero-signature black. For compact Damascus with the most everyday capability and neutral professional carry, the 7551DAM. For the most discrete, ultra-compact Damascus automatic, the 7250DAM.

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, Damascus patina development, etch pattern fading from use, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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