The Kershaw Launch 23 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. The KVT system uses ball bearings in the pivot for a faster, smoother deployment than a traditional washer-based pivot. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 23 is a folding automatic knife — the trailing point blade pivots out 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.

A trailing point blade curves the spine upward so the tip sits above the centerline of the blade, producing the longest, most continuous cutting belly of any blade geometry. This gives the trailing point the largest blade-to-material contact area during a draw cut — the slicing motion where the blade is drawn back across the material. Drop points keep the spine mostly flat and curve it down near the tip for a lowered, versatile centerline tip. Spear points run spine and edge symmetrically to a centered tip for balanced penetration and slicing. The trailing point sacrifices the centered-tip penetration geometry of the spear point and the versatile utility of the drop point in exchange for the most slicing-optimized belly available in a production folder. For draw cutting rope, food, game, or materials where a long slicing stroke outperforms a push cut or stab, the trailing point is the right geometry.

CPM-154 is the powder metallurgy version of the classic 154CM stainless steel formula, produced by Crucible Industries. Conventional 154CM is made by casting molten steel into ingots and rolling to shape — a process that can produce some variability and clustering in carbide distribution. CPM-154 is produced by atomizing molten steel into a fine powder that is then compacted and sintered under high pressure, resulting in a more uniform, more refined carbide distribution throughout the steel matrix. The practical result is better edge retention than standard 154CM, improved toughness, cleaner and more predictable sharpening behavior, and the same excellent corrosion resistance as the base formula. CPM-154 sits in the upper tier of production folder steels — above standard stainless options like 8Cr13MoV and 14C28N, and competitive with CPM-S35VN in many performance categories.

A two-tone blade applies two distinct surface treatments to the same blade — typically one finish on the flat faces of the blade and a different finish on the bevel or edge section. The result is a blade that shows its grind geometry immediately: the flat finish provides a background, the bevel finish provides contrast, and the boundary between them traces the grind line visually. On the Launch 23, the two-tone treatment is applied to the CPM-154 trailing point blade, making the long slicing belly and the blade's grind clearly readable at a glance. Confirm the specific finish combination from Kershaw's published spec sheet at kershawknives.com.

FDE — Flat Dark Earth — is an anodized aluminum colorway that reads as warm, field-purposeful, and professionally neutral. It is the most carry-versatile earth tone in the production knife market: muted enough to carry in professional and civilian contexts without drawing attention, purposeful enough to signal tactical intent in field and outdoor carry. Against the two-tone CPM-154 trailing point blade, the FDE handle creates a warm-neutral two-tone that is visually distinct from all-black and from the cooler OD green and gray options. The machined texture of the Launch 23 handle adds grip and visual depth to the FDE anodize. Buyers who carry FDE-handled tools across their EDC and outdoor kit consistently choose the 7305 as the Launch platform carry piece that fits that system.

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 finish wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 23 7305 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 7305 carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.