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.

The Launch 23 Black, FDE (7305), and Green variants are the same knife in three handle colorways — identical CPM-154 two-tone trailing point blade, KVT ball-bearing side-button automatic deployment, liner lock, machined aluminum handle construction, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. Handle anodized color is the only difference. The black variant is the most carry-neutral — no color signal, works without drawing attention in every professional, tactical, outdoor, and casual context. The FDE (7305) carries a warm Flat Dark Earth earth-tone that reads as field-purposeful and carry-practical. The green carries a cooler, more assertive green anodize with more color presence. For the most versatile, context-free carry option, the black. For field-carry earth-tone identity, the FDE. For bolder color presence, the green.

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 pulled back across the material. The trailing point excels at draw cutting rope, food, game, and materials where a long slicing stroke outperforms a push cut or stab. It is the slicing-optimized blade geometry in the Launch 23 lineup — a profile found nowhere else in the Kershaw automatic folder range.

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. CPM-154 is competitive with CPM-S35VN in many performance categories. It sharpens readily on standard ceramic rods and diamond bench stones and is an appropriate choice for a field carry and everyday use automatic folder.

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