The Kershaw Launch 9 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 9 is a folding automatic knife — the compact CPM-154 stonewash drop 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. The compact blade length 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 9 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 7250GRYSW and 7250DAM are both Launch 9 compact automatics sharing the same drop point blade geometry, side-button deployment, liner lock, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The differences are blade steel, blade finish, and handle color. The 7250GRYSW runs CPM-154 stonewash on a gray anodized aluminum handle — consistent stainless performance, no active moisture maintenance required, cool neutral unified carry with gray handle and stonewash blade in the same tonal register. The 7250DAM runs Damascus steel on a black anodized aluminum handle — per-blade-unique pattern that no stainless option can replicate, warm etch tones as accent against the black surround, active moisture management required. For no-maintenance stainless in a neutral gray carry package, the 7250GRYSW. For per-blade-unique Damascus uniqueness in a zero-signature black carry package, the 7250DAM.

The Launch 9 and Launch 4 are both ultra-compact USA-made side-button automatics in the sub-2-inch range, positioned for the most discrete carry contexts in the Launch lineup — shirt pocket, suit, formal, and backup automatic carry. The Launch 9 7250GRYSW runs CPM-154 in a drop point geometry on gray aluminum. The Launch 4 CPM-154 variants (7500RAW, 7500BLU, 7500BRZ) run CPM-154 in a spear point geometry across three handle colorways. The primary geometric distinction is drop point vs spear point — drop point's lowered tip versus spear point's symmetrical centered tip — at approximately the same blade length. Handle color and finish choices differ between the two platforms. Confirm exact blade lengths at kershawknives.com to verify the precise size relationship between the two platforms before publishing.

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 blade used for continuous everyday incidental tasks, edge retention is especially important — CPM-154 keeps the drop point cutting cleanly through more cycles before maintenance. It sharpens readily on standard ceramic rods and requires no special maintenance in carry conditions.

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, stonewash patina development, handle anodize wear, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch 9 7250GRYSW 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 7250GRYSW carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.