The Kershaw Launch Iridium Auto uses a side-button automatic mechanism — press the button on the spine of the handle and the blade deploys instantly, locking open. To close, disengage the lock with your thumb and fold the blade back into the handle. The Launch Iridium Auto is a folding automatic knife — the CPM MagnaCut working finish spear point pivots from the handle. Confirm the specific lock type (button lock vs liner lock) at kershawknives.com. 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.

A working finish is a functional, utilitarian blade surface treatment — non-reflective, matte, and applied for practical corrosion resistance and carry serviceability rather than visual presentation. Where a stonewash finish is created by tumbling the blade with abrasive media to create a textured matte surface, and blackwash applies a dark coating layer over a stonewash base, a working finish is the blade as it comes from the grinding and surface treatment process with a low-sheen matte finish that prioritizes function over aesthetics. On CPM MagnaCut, a working finish is well-suited to the steel's near-H1 corrosion resistance — no added coating layer is needed for moisture protection because the steel's own resistance handles carry exposure. Working finish blades develop a natural patina with use and carry that stonewash and coated blades do not. Apply a light coat of mineral oil before extended storage.

The Launch Iridium Auto now spans four confirmed variants, all sharing the same Iridium platform handle geometry, CPM MagnaCut steel, 3.45-inch spear point blade, and USA manufacture in Tualatin, Oregon. The 7038 runs a working finish blade on black anodized aluminum — the most carry-neutral configuration, zero color signal, unified dark profile, functional finish. The 7038BRZ runs a stonewash blade on bronze anodized aluminum — the warmest and most visually premium configuration. The 7038OL runs a stonewash blade on OD green anodized aluminum — the field-carry tactically purposeful configuration. The KS7038G10 runs a blackwash blade on black G-10 with a button lock — the dark tactical neutral with G-10 grip and the only confirmed button lock in the Iridium Auto family. For the most carry-neutral utilitarian configuration, the 7038. For warm premium, the 7038BRZ. For field-carry OD green, the 7038OL. For dark tactical G-10 grip, the KS7038G10.

CPM MagnaCut was engineered by metallurgist Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries to outperform CPM-S35VN and M390 in edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance simultaneously. CPM MagnaCut's near-H1 corrosion resistance makes it one of the few steels in the production automatic market that can carry in bare working finish form without a coating layer providing the primary moisture protection. Where a bare working finish on D2 or CPM M4 would require active oiling due to those steels' limited stainless properties, a bare working finish on CPM MagnaCut handles normal carry moisture with minimal maintenance. Wipe the blade dry after extended moisture exposure and apply a light coat of oil before extended storage.

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

The Kershaw Launch Iridium Auto 7038 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 7038 carries the Kershaw Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.