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 Damascus spear point pivots from the handle. Despite the ultra-compact blade length, the deployment mechanism delivers the same fast, positive action as the full-size Launch Damascus 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, 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 7500DAM, 7500RAW, 7500BLU, and 7500BRZ are all Launch 4 automatics sharing the same 1.9-inch spear point geometry, side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7500DAM runs Damascus steel on a black anodized aluminum handle — a per-blade-unique pattern that no stainless option can replicate, the Damascus pattern as the sole visual statement against the black surround, active moisture management required. The 7500RAW runs CPM-154 satin on raw aluminum — consistent stainless, bare metal developing patina, no special maintenance. The 7500BLU runs CPM-154 satin on blue anodized aluminum — bold color presence. The 7500BRZ runs CPM-154 satin on bronze anodized aluminum — warm-premium refined carry. For ultra-compact Damascus uniqueness in the most discrete black carry package, the 7500DAM. For CPM-154 stainless variants, the 7500RAW, 7500BLU, or 7500BRZ.

Damascus steel is produced by forge-welding two or more steel alloys in alternating layers, then manipulating the billet through twisting, folding, or drawing to create a pattern in the layered structure. The blade is ground to final geometry and acid-etched to reveal the contrasting layer pattern. Because the manipulation is done by hand, no two Damascus blades carry an identical pattern — the Launch 4 7500DAM you receive is the only one with that exact pattern in existence. On a 1.9-inch blade, the full Damascus pattern is maximally concentrated — the most visually dense pattern per square inch of any Damascus blade in the Launch catalog. The pattern is as full and complete as on a 3.5-inch blade, compressed into the smallest blade face in the series. Confirm the alloy composition from Kershaw's published specs at kershawknives.com.

Damascus blades require active moisture management regardless of blade length. Wipe the blade dry immediately after any moisture exposure — hand oils, humidity, and environmental moisture can cause surface rust. Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil, camellia oil, or dedicated blade oil after cleaning and before storage. The 1.9-inch blade is sized for shirt pocket, suit, and formal carry — environments where it may spend extended time in close contact with fabric and body warmth, accumulating moisture more than a clip-carry full-size blade. Consistent oiling before storage is essential. The etch pattern can be restored with ferric chloride re-etching if it fades over time.

The 7500DAM and 7250DAM are the two most compact Damascus automatics in the Launch lineup. The 7500DAM at 1.9 inches on a black anodized aluminum handle is the most compact — sized for shirt pocket, suit, formal carry, and backup carry where even the 2-inch Launch 9 creates unwanted profile. The 7250DAM at 2 inches on a black anodized aluminum handle offers 0.1 inches more blade — marginally more cutting surface in the same compact format, also black and zero-signature. Both are USA-made Damascus side-button automatics. For the most compact Damascus automatic possible, the 7500DAM. For 0.1 inches more blade in the same discrete black format, the 7250DAM.

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, Damascus patina development, etch pattern fading from use, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

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