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 most US jurisdictions — but automatic knife classification is independent of blade length restrictions, and the automatic deployment mechanism subjects the Launch 4 to the same automatic knife laws that apply to full-size Launch variants. 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's 1.9-inch blade occupies a distinct carry niche that larger automatic folders cannot fill. A sub-2-inch blade carries in a shirt pocket, a suit jacket, formal wear, or alongside a phone without creating the profile that a 3-inch-plus folder creates in those contexts. It delivers automatic deployment capability — instant one-hand access with no manual technique required — in environments where discretion, minimal bulk, or dress carry constraints apply. It is also the right backup automatic for buyers who carry a full-size Launch variant as their primary and want a compact dedicated automatic for secondary carry. The 1.9-inch spear point handles the full range of everyday light cutting tasks — opening packages, envelopes, food prep on the go — with CPM-154's edge retention keeping the blade functional through extended carry cycles between sharpenings.

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 — a blade this size gets used for incidental cutting throughout the day and benefits from steel that maintains a working edge through more cutting cycles before maintenance. CPM-154 sharpens readily on standard ceramic rods and diamond bench stones, and its corrosion resistance requires no special maintenance in carry conditions.

Raw aluminum is unfinished aluminum — no anodizing, no coating, no surface treatment beyond machining. Where anodized aluminum has an electrochemical oxide layer that adds color and surface hardness, raw aluminum shows the natural silver-grey of the bare metal and develops contact marks, oils, and a natural patina with carry. This is not rust or corrosion — it is natural surface character that records the knife's use history honestly. Raw aluminum and satin CPM-154 are a materially complementary pairing: both uncoated, both bare, both developing character with carry rather than hiding it under a surface treatment.

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 satin finish wear, raw aluminum patina development, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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