When I was a kid, switchblade knives were perceived about the same as Tommy gunsโthey were something from a bygone era that just didnโt sit right with people who didnโt normally find themselves using weapons on a daily basisโฆor hanging out at sock hops or speakeasies. As I got older, howeverโand became more familiar with various knives and weaponsโthe idea of an automatic knife started to make a lot of sense. When it became possible to review theย Kershaw Launch 1 automatic knife I volunteered quickly (I had just completed a review of the Kershaw Link 1776, in fact). I was ready, and my previous biases were all but eradicated.
While the quick vertical thrust of a switchblade still strikes me as a rather violent weapon, an automatic side-open knife makes a lot of sense. After all, having become accustomed to assisted open knives using SpeedSafe and other technologies, the automatic knife is just one more step forward.ย Bring on the automatic knivesโletโs see if theyโre as cool as I had hoped they were!
Knowing the Rules
Before going too far, itโs always good to point out that not everyone can legally carry an automatic knife (though morally and constitutionallyย Iโd argue that they can). According toย U.S. Code Title 15, Sect. 1241, the federal law defines switchblade knives as any knives which open โ1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade which opens automatically; (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or bothโ.ย
So the switchblade knife definition is now applied to automatic side-opening knives as wellโapparently, anyway. If you have a concealed carry permit, then you may have some more โrightsโ with regard to carrying an automatic knife. Try to understand the laws in your own state and local jurisdiction before you grab one of theseโsome of the penalties are ridiculously stiff, and itโs not worth the risk.
Kershaw Launch 1 Knife Features & Use
The Kershaw Launch 1 knife has a beautiful black anodized aluminum handle and a sort of powder coated CPM154 stainless steel blade. This steel is harder, more corrosion-resistant, and has better edge retention than 440C. The blade was very sharp from the factory, and even after using it for a ton of cutting, whittling, and (my favorite) cardboard slicingโthe edge stayed true considerably longer than Iโve experienced with softer steels.
Back to the design, the Kershaw Launch 1 knife is, of the three Kershaw Launch models, my favorite. The Launch 2 is almost blandโwith a streamlined handle that seems to just continue the arc of the blade. Thereโs absolutely no kick on the handle, and the anodized aluminum is very plain, with just a center ground out hollow for design and grip.
The Launch 3 is nearly the same, but with an even plainer handleย (though it hasย a slight kick) and a bit of jimping on the rear of the blade. Some may like the simplistic look of these knives, but Iย prefer the more traditional, curvaceous look of the Launch 1.ย I might have wished for some jimping on the back of the black anodized handle, but given the design, I can certainly understand its lackโthe final look is very refined and undisturbed by erroneous edges.
Kershaw Launch Series Knives
- Kershaw Launchย 1 (CPM154 BlackWashย steel, anodized aluminum handle) โ $149.99
- Launch 2 (CPM154 stonewashed steel; anodized aluminum handle) โ $139.99
- Kershaw Launch 3ย (CPM154 black-oxideย coated steel, anodized aluminum handle) โ $159.99
Opening the Kershaw Launch 1 for the first time is an adventureโparticularly if you arenโt used to automatic knives. Basically, you want to hang on, or the knife is liable to go flying right out of your hand. Thatโs not a negativeโyou want a nice, solid snap to an automatic knife, and the Kershaw Lunch 1 gives it to you.
Careful Deployment
Thereโs also little danger of accidentally deploying the knife (that is to say, itโs unlikely youโll have it open in your pocket). Though it comes out with a snap, the pushbutton activator is recessed to the level of the handleโmaking it nearly impossible to accidentally depress. I admit that the first time I carried an automatic knife this was a concern, but eventually, you realize that you have just as much chance of an assisted knife opening in your pocket as you do an automatic. This knife certainly feels safe.
Speaking of feel, the smooth black anodized aluminum handle at first made me think I wouldnโt appreciate the grip this folder proffered me, but the spine of the handle features five oval-shaped depressions which give it some โstickโ in your palm. The finger groove at the top of the handle also aids in deliveringย a bit more stability and control over this automatic knife while you use it. Another convenienceโwhich is becoming the defactoย standardโis a reversible left/right belt clip that is easily swapped withย an Allen wrench.
The clip is medium width and short,ย but the end of the knifeย comes up into a triangular shape, giving you about an inch that sticks out when you carry. One pleasant surprise: when you switch to left-carry yourย indexย finger activates the knife instead of your thumb. I found this to be very naturalโsurprisingly soโand so this knife works really well for either left or right-handed use.
Conclusion
The Kershaw Launch 1 is a made-in-the-USA knife thatโs manufactured at Kershawโs Tualatin, Oregon facility. Iย like that Iโm carrying a USA-made knife, and the quality of workmanship makes me trust that it will be a functional toolย that lasts me a good long time.ย If you have a concealed carry permit, but youโve never carried an automatic knife, you should really pick this one up at a local dealer and handle it. You may want to add it to your collection (Yes, Iย tend to have knife and gun โcollectionsโ and change my knives depending on what Iโm wearing and where Iโm headed).
