The Kershaw Launch 4 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. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 4 is a folding automatic knife — the compact 1.9-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 1.9-inch blade clears the carry length threshold in virtually all 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 Launch 4 family now spans five variants, all sharing the same 1.9-inch spear point geometry, side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7500OLBLK runs CPM-154 black Cerakote on OD green anodized aluminum — the only Cerakote-coated finish in the family, paired with a field-carry handle color. The 7500RAW, 7500BLU, and 7500BRZ all run CPM-154 satin on raw, blue, and bronze aluminum respectively — bare polished steel rather than a sprayed coating. The 7500DAM runs Damascus on black aluminum — per-blade-unique pattern, active moisture maintenance required. For a Cerakote-coated, field-credible compact automatic, the 7500OLBLK. For satin steel in various handle colors, the 7500RAW, 7500BLU, or 7500BRZ. For Damascus uniqueness, the 7500DAM.

Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating applied by spray and thermally cured onto the metal surface — harder than PVD, more impact and abrasion resistant than black-oxide, and available in a wide range of colors. Satin, used on the 7500RAW, 7500BLU, and 7500BRZ, is a smooth, reflective surface finish applied to bare CPM-154 steel — no coating layer, the steel's own polished surface and color are what you see. Cerakote adds a functional corrosion barrier on top of CPM-154's already excellent stainless resistance, while satin shows the bare steel directly. The 7500OLBLK is the first and only Cerakote-finished Launch 4 in this catalog — every other Launch 4 colorway runs satin.

Black Cerakote on OD green anodized aluminum is the same field-carry color pairing established elsewhere in the Launch lineup, including the Launch 16 and Launch 17 Cerakote tanto and clip point variants. OD green carries an immediate operational and outdoor-carry signal associated with military, law enforcement, and field gear, while the black Cerakote blade provides a durable, color-neutral cutting surface that complements rather than competes with the handle color. On the 7500OLBLK, this pairing brings that established field-carry color logic to the smallest automatic in the Launch lineup.

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 1.9-inch blade used for continuous everyday tasks, edge retention is especially important — CPM-154 keeps the blade functional through extended carry cycles. The Cerakote coating adds a further corrosion barrier on top of CPM-154's already strong stainless resistance.

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, Cerakote finish wear at the blade bevel, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 4 7500OLBLK 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 7500OLBLK carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.