"CA-Legal" in the product name refers to the 7250GRYBW's 1.8-inch blade length, which falls under California's general blade-length threshold for automatic knives. This labeling describes the knife's blade length relative to a commonly cited legal threshold — it is not a guarantee of legality for your specific situation. Knife laws vary by state and can include additional restrictions beyond blade length, such as where the knife may be carried, who may possess one, and local ordinances that differ from state law. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice, and a product label is not a substitute for your own verification of current law. Confirm current automatic knife regulations for your specific state, county, and city — including any recent changes — before purchasing or carrying this knife. Check akti.org (American Knife and Tool Institute) or call us at 888-225-9775 with questions, and consult an attorney if you need a legal opinion specific to your situation.

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 1.8-inch CPM-154 blackwash 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 knife deployment mechanisms, regardless of blade length, are subject to applicable state and federal restrictions. See the previous FAQ for legality considerations before purchasing.

Automatic knife laws vary significantly by state regardless of blade length. Some states permit automatic knives of any blade length; some apply their own length thresholds different from California's; some restrict automatic knife ownership entirely regardless of size; some require permits or military or law enforcement status. A 1.8-inch blade does not automatically satisfy every state's requirements — it specifically addresses the common 2-inch threshold cited in California and similar jurisdictions. Verify automatic knife legality in your specific state, county, and municipality before purchasing. Check your local laws at akti.org or call us at 888-225-9775 — we will not ship to addresses in states where automatic knives are prohibited.

The 7250GRYBW and 7250GRYSW are both Launch 9 automatics on gray anodized aluminum handles, sharing the same compact platform and side-button deployment. The 7250GRYBW runs a blackwash finish — a dark coating over a stonewash base, producing a dimensional dark blade. The 7250GRYSW runs a stonewash finish — natural textured bare CPM-154 steel showing its own cool silver-grey color. Both share the same 1.8-inch CA-Legal-oriented blade length on the same Launch 9 drop point platform. For a dark dimensional blade finish, the 7250GRYBW. For natural bare steel texture, the 7250GRYSW.

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 1.8-inch 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.

Stonewash leaves CPM-154 in natural textured form — the tumbling process creates a matte surface showing the steel's own cool silver-grey color. Blackwash applies a dark coating over that stonewash base — the underlying micro-texture creates depth and visual complexity in the dark surface rather than a flat uniform black. The 7250GRYBW's blackwash blade reads darker and more dimensional than a stonewash blade of the same steel.

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

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