"CA-Legal" in the product name refers to the 7250OLBW'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 7250OLBW and 7250GRYBW are both Launch 9 CA-Legal automatics sharing the same 1.8-inch CPM-154 blackwash drop point blade, side-button deployment, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The only difference is handle color. The 7250OLBW runs OD green anodized aluminum — a field-credible color associated with military, law enforcement, and outdoor carry contexts. The 7250GRYBW runs gray anodized aluminum — a neutral, professional, context-free color. Both deliver identical CPM-154 cutting performance at the same compliance-conscious blade length. For field-credible OD green carry, the 7250OLBW. For neutral professional gray carry, the 7250GRYBW.

The Launch 9 family now spans four variants. The 7250OLBW and 7250GRYBW both run CPM-154 blackwash at 1.8 inches with the explicit "CA-Legal" designation, on OD green and gray aluminum respectively. The 7250GRYSW runs CPM-154 stonewash, also believed to be at 1.8 inches based on this platform's confirmed pattern, on gray aluminum — natural bare steel texture rather than blackwash's dark dimensional coating. The 7250DAM runs Damascus steel at 2 inches on black aluminum — per-blade-unique pattern, the largest blade length in the Launch 9 family, requiring active moisture maintenance. For CA-Legal compliance-length stainless in OD green, the 7250OLBW. For CA-Legal compliance-length stainless in neutral gray, the 7250GRYBW. For natural bare steel texture, the 7250GRYSW. For Damascus uniqueness at a slightly larger 2-inch length, the 7250DAM.

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.

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 7250OLBW 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 7250OLBW carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.