It’s a given that Kershaw makes high quality knives that live on the edge. They practically brought assisted opening onto the market. The Kershaw Launch 4 Auto is once again pushing the edge – and we love it. In fact, we dare you to push the little red ringed bullseye button on the Launch 4 and not smile afterward. It’s why we’re calling it the “Smile Maker.”
The Kershaw Launch 4 Auto
> Made in the USA
> Push button open
> Push button lock release
> Single-position pocketclip
> Steel: CPM154, DLC coating
> Handle: Anodized aluminum
> Blade length: 1.9 in. (4.8 cm)
> Closed length: 3.2 in. (8.1 cm)
> Open length: 5.1 in. (13 cm)
> Weight: 1.8 oz. (51 g)
Push-button Lock – Found on the Kershaw Folding Saw, it locks the saw blade open during use, then releases with the push of a button for storage.
Single Position – The pocket clip is in a fixed position on the knife handle; usually it is positioned for tip-down, right-handed carry, though this may vary.
The Launch 4 launches. We’re not kidding. It’s quick and absolutely delightful. With a closed length of 3.2″ and a 1.9″ blade, this knife is the perfect EDC for just about any pocket. Of course, it won’t stay in your pocket long because it’s just too fun to press the button and open. Seriously. It’s fast – like world-class sprinter, Usain Bolt fast.
If we could pick on anything about this knife, it would be that the pocket clip, while removable, can only be mounted in one place, but that’s truly minor in comparison to the joy this knife inspires deep down in your automatic knife soul.
Kershaw tells us that, “the blade is high-performance CPM154 steel. This powdered metallurgy steel has more uniform distribution of carbides—so it takes and holds an excellent edge, provides good corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and toughness. The blade is DLC coated for an additional measure of blade protection and non-reflective good looks. Then to lighten the Launch 4’s weight, we made the handle and integrated back spacer of durable aluminum, anodized in black.”
“The Launch 4 opens with a push button, recessed so that it is level with the flat of the handle. This is a safety feature and makes it harder for the knives to accidentally deploy. For left-handed use, press the blade-release/lock button with your index finger instead of your thumb. The Launch 4 has a single-position pocket clip and carries tip-up.”
We enjoyed this knife so much, that we’d recommend it to almost anyone who was in the market for a good knife, let alone an auto.
The Kershaw Cinder (bonus)
> Manual opening with thumbstud
> Liner lock
> Bottle opener
> Lanyard hole
> Steel: 3Cr13, stonewashed finish
> Handle: Glass-filled nylon
> Blade length: 1.4 in. (3.6 cm)
> Closed length: 2.6 in. (6.6 cm)
> Overall length: 4 in. (10.2 cm)
> Weight: 0.9 oz. (25.5 g)
