Yes. The Launch Iridium 7038BRZ is a true side-button automatic — press the button on the handle and the blade deploys instantly under spring tension with no manual blade contact required. This is distinct from SpeedSafe assisted-opening knives in Kershaw's lineup, which require initial thumb stud pressure to initiate the opening stroke. The Launch series is Kershaw's dedicated production automatic lineup, manufactured in Tualatin, Oregon. Automatic knives are subject to stricter legal restrictions than assisted-opening folders — see the legality FAQ below before purchasing.

Automatic knives are regulated differently from manual and assisted-opening folders. Under federal law, the interstate sale and transport of automatic knives is restricted — Knifeworks can only ship automatic knives to buyers in states where automatic knives are legal to own and carry. State laws vary significantly: some states permit automatics freely, some restrict blade length, some require a license or permit, 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 automatics are prohibited.

The 7038BRZ and KS7038G10 are the same Launch Iridium automatic platform — same CPM MagnaCut spear point blade, same side-button automatic deployment, same USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The differences are blade finish and handle material. The 7038BRZ runs a stonewash blade on a bronze anodized aluminum handle — warm two-tone aesthetic, bare steel that develops a natural patina, lightweight aluminum carry. The KS7038G10 runs a blackwash blade on a black G-10 handle — full blackout, more grip texture in wet conditions, slightly heavier. For carry versatility and refined aesthetics, the 7038BRZ. For maximum grip in demanding conditions and a full blackout carry profile, the KS7038G10.

CPM MagnaCut was designed by metallurgist Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries to outperform both CPM-S35VN and M390 in edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance simultaneously. In an automatic knife, edge retention is particularly valuable: the blade deploys under spring tension every time the button is pressed, and a steel that holds its edge longer stays deployment-ready through more carry cycles before needing maintenance. Most production automatics at this price tier run 154CM or CPM-S35VN — CPM MagnaCut is a meaningful step up in all three performance categories and is an unusual spec for a production automatic at any price point.

The stonewash finish on the 7038BRZ leaves the CPM MagnaCut blade in natural textured form — no chemical conversion coating, no PVD layer. The stonewash texture hides fine surface scratches well and diffuses light to keep the blade low-profile, but it does not provide the additional corrosion barrier that black-oxide or PVD coatings add. CPM MagnaCut's exceptional corrosion resistance largely compensates for this — it approaches the rust resistance of H1 steel, so bare stonewash CPM MagnaCut is significantly more corrosion-tolerant than bare stonewash D2. Wipe the blade dry after moisture exposure and apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil before extended storage. The blade will develop a natural patina over time that many buyers prefer to a uniform coated surface.

Bronze anodizing is an electrochemical process that creates a hard aluminum oxide layer on the handle surface — the color is integral to the metal rather than a coating applied on top, which means it cannot chip or peel the way a spray finish can. The anodized layer will show scuffs and contact marks at wear points over time with hard daily carry, and the color may lighten at high-contact areas. This is normal for anodized aluminum and does not affect the structural integrity of the handle. Buyers who want to preserve the bronze finish tend to use the 7038BRZ as a lighter-duty or collector carry; buyers who carry it hard accept the honest patina as part of the knife's character.

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, cosmetic finish wear, spring wear from sustained automatic deployment, sharpening, and damage from misuse are not covered.

The Kershaw Launch Iridium 7038BRZ is manufactured in the USA at Kershaw's production facility in Tualatin, Oregon. Domestic manufacture is a consistent feature of the entire Launch series lineup. USA production means domestic quality control and fit-and-finish standards on every knife that ships. The Kershaw Lifetime Warranty covers all Launch models against defects in materials and workmanship regardless of where they are purchased.