The Kershaw Launch 8 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. To close, disengage the liner lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch 8 is a folding automatic knife — the 3.5-inch CPM-154 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.

The product name references "Automatic Stiletto," which is not used elsewhere in the Launch 8 or broader Launch lineup. A true stiletto blade is a narrow, sharply tapered, symmetric blade optimized almost exclusively for thrusting and penetration, with little or no belly for slicing — historically associated with Italian switchblade design. This is a distinct geometry from a spear point, which also has a symmetric centered tip but typically carries more belly and a fuller blade profile suited to general cutting tasks as well as penetration. Confirm whether "Stiletto" on the 7150TEALBLK reflects a genuine narrow stiletto-style blade or whether it is a marketing descriptor applied to this specific colorway while the underlying blade geometry matches the standard Launch 8 spear point or drop point profile. This distinction affects both the product description and the blade's functional characteristics, and should be verified at kershawknives.com before publishing.

The product specification lists a spear point blade. This is the second Launch 8 variant in this catalog specifying spear point, following the 7150RAW — while the original Launch 8 Damascus variant (7150DAM) was documented with a drop point. With two of three Launch 8 variants now specifying spear point, it's possible the Launch 8 platform runs spear point across the line and the drop point designation on the 7150DAM requires correction, or the platform genuinely offers multiple blade geometries across its SKUs. Confirm the correct geometry for each Launch 8 variant at kershawknives.com before publishing any of the three pages.

The Launch 8 family spans three variants, all sharing the same 3.5-inch blade length, KVT ball-bearing deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7150TEALBLK runs CPM-154 black on teal aluminum with carbon fiber inlay — the boldest color combination, fully unified black blade against the rare teal handle color. The 7150RAW runs CPM-154 stonewash on silver aluminum with carbon fiber inlay — natural steel texture, more neutral metallic handle tone. The 7150DAM runs Damascus on plain black aluminum — per-blade-unique pattern, zero-signature carry, active moisture maintenance. For the boldest color statement, the 7150TEALBLK. For natural steel with CF texture, the 7150RAW. For Damascus uniqueness, the 7150DAM.

Teal is a distinct blue-green anodized color, sitting between standard blue and green on the spectrum. It is uncommon in production automatic knife anodizing compared to black, blue, red, OD green, and bronze. The 7150TEALBLK is one of only two teal handles in the entire Kershaw Launch lineup, alongside the Launch 11 7550TEAL. Teal reads as a deliberate, design-forward color choice rather than following an established tactical or premium-color convention. Teal anodizing creates a hard aluminum oxide layer integral to the metal — the color cannot chip or peel.

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. 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, carbon fiber surface wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 8 7150TEALBLK 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 7150TEALBLK carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.