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Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:07 am
by Scott B.
I have always wanted an auto knife. Finally decided to take the plunge, and at $90 delivered I think I got one for a decent price.
Kershaw Launch 1 (there's also a Launch 2 and Launch 3 out).
For a mass production knife, I'm very pleased that it's made in the USA. The blade has their BlackWash treatment, blade length 3.4", CPM154 steel, closed length 4.6", aluminum body with good gripping surface, and weighs 4oz.
The clip is reversible, but for tip up carry only. It's not a deep pocket clip, but is so far unobtrusive.
The blade deploys with an impressive snap. It's tight with no slop when extended, and the blade is nicely centered when closed. It take a very positive press on the button to deploy, and I'm not worried about any in-pocket accidents.
Only had it out of the box for about three minutes when it drew blood
Overall, I'm pleased.

Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:22 am
by joe817
Very nice! Congrats on your purchase. Great pics. Very reasonable cost. Kershaw is a good brand from what I've read.
I too am considering an automatic knife & I'm gonna add that to my list of contenders. That comes up to 5.
Where did you get it?
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 10:41 am
by Abraham
Scott B.,
Very nice.
Two questions: Is it sharpened on both sides back from the tip a bit? (I hope that's clear...)
If it is, is it legal to carry in Texas?
Thanks!
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2015 11:19 am
by Scott B.
I got it from
http://www.cutleryshoppe.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, for shipping I used a coupon code from the youtuber who likes phrases like "philosophy of use" and "second kind of cool." (they also have a list of his 'hall of fame' knives on the cutlery shoppe site).
The blade is only sharpened on one edge.
Auto knives are legal to carry in Texas but not in the bordering states of Oklahoma, New Mexico, or Louisiana. That's the one big drawback. I don't think I'll forget, but as part of my EDC I could see growing complacent.
Edit. Just chatted with my cousin in Oklahoma. Looks like their knife law changes Nov 1, 2015.
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 8:14 am
by rentz
not a bad price for an auto made in usa of some decent metal.
i keep eyeballing an out the front hk auto but i really have no need for it...not that its stopped me before
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 8:55 am
by PBratton
That's usually the first thing I do with a new knife is to cut myself with it...
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 9:27 am
by joe817
PBratton wrote:That's usually the first thing I do with a new knife is to cut myself with it...
Well, you have to anoint it somehow!

At least you know how sharp the blade is.
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:05 am
by txcharvel
I really want one of these. Was on the fence to get one and decided on a ZT 0350 instead (I got to pick out a Father's Day present this year).
I wish they made one with G-10 scales, it would have been no contest.
Thanks and Congrats!
Re: Mini review - Kershaw Launch 1
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 10:43 am
by Scott B.
My cub scout whittling badge came with a complimentary scar. You'd think I would have learned.