6061 is a common aluminum alloy containing magnesium and silicon as primary alloying elements, widely used in aerospace, automotive, marine, and structural applications for its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and machinability. "T6" refers to a specific temper, or heat treatment process: the alloy is solution heat-treated and then artificially aged, a process that substantially increases its strength and hardness compared to the same alloy in its untreated state. 6061-T6 is one of the most common aircraft-grade aluminum specifications and is widely used in knife handle construction for its combination of light weight and structural rigidity. This is the first SKU in this catalog where the specific aluminum alloy and temper are named — other Launch and Livewire knives simply specify "aluminum" without this level of detail, though they likely use comparable aircraft-grade alloys.

This product title lists a 3.5-inch blade. A previously confirmed Launch 7 configuration (the 7900CF, CPM MagnaCut clip point on carbon fiber and aluminum) runs a 3.7-inch blade. A 0.2-inch difference between Launch 7 SKUs could reflect a genuinely different Launch 7 configuration with its own blade length, a different blade geometry on the same platform name, or an inconsistency between source titles. Confirm the exact blade length and geometry for this specific knife at kershawknives.com before publishing.

"MGE" appears in this SKU and also appeared on a separate Launch 12 product (7125 MGE) elsewhere in this catalog. Its recurrence across two different Launch platforms suggests it may be a recognized designation — possibly a model or grade code, a distributor or retailer stock code, or a similar internal reference — rather than a one-off error specific to a single product. Its exact meaning has not been confirmed. Confirm at kershawknives.com whether "MGE" should appear in customer-facing product copy or whether it is an internal-use-only designation.

The Kershaw Launch 7 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 7 is a folding automatic knife — the CPM-154 black blade pivots 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.

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. The black finish adds a functional corrosion barrier on top of CPM-154's already excellent stainless resistance, producing a fully unified dark blade. No active moisture maintenance required.

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, black blade finish wear, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 7 KS7900BLUBLK 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 KS7900BLUBLK carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.