At the federal level, the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 restricts interstate commerce of automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches, with exemptions for authorized dealers and military/law enforcement. Most states have their own statutes. Always confirm legality in your state before ordering.

CPM MagnaCut (composition: ~10.7% Cr, ~4% V, ~2% Mo, ~1.9% C, ~0.2% N) is specifically designed to excel on every major performance metric simultaneously — a combination that most high-performance steels sacrifice by optimizing one metric at the expense of another.

Compared to CPM-154 (14% Cr, 4% Mo, 1.05% C, 59–61 HRC): MagnaCut is typically hardened to 62–64 HRC and delivers measurably better edge retention due to higher vanadium carbide content, superior corrosion resistance despite lower chromium (vanadium and nitrogen work together to maintain passivation), and comparable or better toughness. In published edge retention testing, MagnaCut consistently outperforms CPM-154. For a knife that will see real daily use and occasional wet or harsh environments, MagnaCut is the better steel.

A traditional tanto has a flat edge with the spine angling down sharply to create a strong high tip. A reverse tanto inverts this: the spine stays flat (or near-flat) while the edge angles up to the tip in a shallow curve, creating an angular, reinforced tip that faces downward relative to the spine. The tip geometry is extremely strong and resistant to lateral breakage — similar in structural strength to a tanto but with a different visual profile.

Reverse tantos are well-suited to penetration tasks, box cutting, and detail work at the tip. The flat spine and angular geometry give the blade a modern, architectural look that contrasts with the traditional curves of a drop point. The Launch 20 reverse tanto is the only blade of this style in the Kershaw Launch lineup.

“Raw” aluminum means the handle has not been anodized — it retains the natural, unfinished silver-gray surface of the 6061-T6 aluminum itself. Where the other Launch models have anodized handles (OD Green, gray, blue, teal), the Launch 20 handle is machined and left in its natural state. This creates a more industrial, precision-machined aesthetic that is distinct from every other knife in the lineup.

Raw aluminum is slightly softer in surface hardness than anodized aluminum and will develop a natural patina and minor surface marks over time — some buyers consider this part of the appeal. The marbled carbon fiber inlay adds visual texture and a premium look without adding meaningful weight.

The Launch 20 uses the same side-button automatic mechanism found across the Kershaw Launch series — a coil spring drives the blade open when the ambidextrous side button is pressed. The button is operable from either side of the handle for both right- and left-handed users. A liner lock holds the blade securely open. To close, disengage the liner and fold the blade manually.

The Kershaw Launch 20 measures approximately 7.0 inches overall when open and 4.0 inches closed. The reverse tanto blade is 3.0 inches long and approximately 0.12 inches thick. The knife weighs approximately 3.0 oz and carries on a reversible deep-carry clip in tip-up configuration for either hand. Confirm exact dimensions at kershawknives.com before purchasing if precision measurements matter for your use case.

Yes — where automatic knives are legal to carry. The Launch 20 is built for buyers who want genuine performance beyond what the rest of the Launch lineup offers. CPM MagnaCut steel keeps a working edge longer than CPM-154, resists corrosion better in wet environments, and does not require any sacrifice in toughness to achieve those gains. At approximately 3.0 oz and 4.0 inches closed, it carries as easily as the Launch 1.

The reverse tanto blade and raw aluminum handle make it the most visually distinctive knife in the Launch series — a knife that reads as precisely engineered rather than tactical or colorful.

Kershaw warrants every Kershaw-brand product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner. If a valid defect is found, Kershaw will repair or replace the item at their discretion. Because Knifeworks is an authorized Kershaw dealer, every Launch 20 we sell is covered by this warranty. For warranty service, contact Kershaw directly at kershawknives.com.

Every Kershaw Launch automatic shares side-button action, liner lock, reversible deep-carry clip, and USA manufacture. The Launch 20 stands apart from every other model in three ways:

First, blade steel: the Launch 20 uses CPM MagnaCut, while every other model in the series uses CPM-154. MagnaCut offers better edge retention and corrosion resistance at a higher hardness. Second, blade shape: the reverse tanto is the only such geometry in the Launch lineup — all other models are drop-point, spear-point, or stiletto. Third, handle finish: the raw aluminum + marbled carbon fiber is the only unfinished aluminum handle in the series — all others are anodized in a color.