I had a Launch 1 a couple of years ago and loved it. The only drawback was that the blade wouldn’t deploy fully if the knife got wet. I sold it to a friend and bought myself a Benchmade Casbah and couldn’t be happier. The blade fires and locks solidly no matter the conditions I am using it in.
I just got this knife the other day. My brother-in-law and a buddy were looking through some stuff from an impounded car, that was not claimed. Being that neither of them know much of anything about firearms, I was called. In the mix were 30-06 rounds, 7.62x39's, a magazine for an AR/M16/M4 (couldn't believe they didn't know what that was) and a Kershaw launch 1. Since I'd never owned a Kershaw, I did my research. I've had a Buck auto for a couple years and after handling the Kershaw I decided it would replace the Buck as my carry knife. It opens faster and I really like the beefy blade.
My dad got this knife for me as a graduation gift, it was hands down my favorite EDC pocket knife until it was stolen from me :( still waiting on the replacement to arrive
I own this knife and decided to add some glock-grip to the handles. The aluminum was just too slick for me. The force of the deployment almost jerks the knife out of your hand.
We can carry auto knifes in ILLINOIS but we need to have a foid card to be able to use one. Some states are allowing auto knifes but check your local town restrictions,
If kershaw can put that steel on a knife for that price with U.S. production why don't they put it on more of their knives? Is it just me, wouldn't a bunch of U.S. made non-auto kershaw knives in cpm-154 for $60 to $100 dominate that price point? I'm certainly getting one of these even though I'm not that into autos because of the price.
Cool. I'm in Colorado too and I've been looking for an auto. Not gonna run out and buy one this second because I have a lot more important things to drop $100 on than yet another knife but when I have the cash I'll be grabbing on of the Launch knives.
My problem is that I'm right handed and the fire button is not reversible or double sided. I want to be able to have my "trigger finger" so to speak on the deployment device whatever it be, a flipper or a button WHILE IN POCKET. I don't know that my thumb will reach that button while this is still clipped inside my pocket. I have been looking for a replacement for my EDC Kershaw Clash for years but have yet to find a design that can be deployed as quickly and easily, I can have my index finger resting on the speedsafe flipper outside my pants and ready to fire the second it's drawn from pocket.
This is what kershaw needs to transfer to their other knives and by extension blades. They are getting boring all you hear about from kershaw is 8cr and sanvick. Change up the steels, get people excited, I would love to get a Skyline in something like CTS-XHP or D2 something with better edge retention.
I just returned one. The button felt gritty when you pressed it down. I had cheaper autos feel more smooth than this. Also where I read a review where I purchased it , said it felt gritty as well and that was two years ago. Did your button feel gritty on deployment?
Had a launch 4 that was gritty. After 5 or so years it smoothed out a little. Decided to get a replacement button from Kershaw, and then it was buttery smooth. I think it's more how the original buttons were manufactured
Appreciate the review. It is a cool looking knife but personally, I'll wait (a good while) til there's a substantial track record on durability of the launch mechanism. I went crazy on Ken Onion Kershaw assisted openers for awhile (liked flipping 'em open) and discovered that the spring w/ break ~ twice/year. I've since moved into unassisted flippers and find I prefer their (relative) simplicity. I'm hard pressed to envision the gain (other than the cool factor) from taking on a more complex mechanism.
Patrick Jennings yeah, I typically carry a 3.5 inch blade. If you're a law abiding citizen and say that you carry your knife for utility reasons, you shouldn't have too many problems. I wish we could carry fixed blades in Michigan.
my Link in 20CV is pretty lazy in the action department. anyone else have one like that? its doesnt always even open...which is weird for an assisted opening knife. I can actually swing it shut once the lock bar is released. Can you get replacement torsion bars from Kershaw?
I have the Launch 1 and I love the knife, BUT mine has a bit of up and down play in it. I was wondering if anyone else is having this type of an issue or did I just get one with a slight defect?
TREKtillidie I own one and have beat the crap out of it and never had any issues with slippage, BUT I have added so skate board tape to the handle scales just for a little extra grip. It doesn’t need it, but I did it anyways. Just my two cents!
Warning to all those that buy this auto knife. If you send your auto knife to Kershaw for warranty or for any other reason they will not mail it back to your address even if it is legal where you live. They are located in Oregon are there State will only allow them to send it to some dealer instead. They have had mine for mouths now!
Michigan knife law will change on October 10, 2017. Senate Bill 245, recently signed into law, will eliminate the current prohibition on the sale or possession of spring-assisted knives, referred to as “switch blades” in Michigan statutes
Love that Belly!! Hate NM, Can't even OWN an Auto! Back in TX, Cause one hand operated my wheelchair I was Legally able to use an Auto because I was considered a "one armed person", not here, going to order one anyway, waiting for your full review first ;)
I like to carry a knives in everyday life but the Japanese law doesn't allow us to carry without the purposes like Hiking and fishing. I'm really afraid of North to shoot us because I live in near US bases.
Just letting you know. “Overall” length refers to the knife with the blade out. Which is not 4.625” as you said. That is the handle length. Overall for this guy is 8”.
Im def going to be getting some kershaw launches. Can't wait. And I see you have the link in better steel and I'm sure you heard but they just made a link in m390! I just bought one. Can't wait to get it. Www.dpknives.com are the only ones who have it, and only 78$!!!
And I love JESUS, my Lord and Savior. 2 Timothy 4:2King James Version (KJV) 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
I had a Launch 1 a couple of years ago and loved it. The only drawback was that the blade wouldn’t deploy fully if the knife got wet. I sold it to a friend and bought myself a Benchmade Casbah and couldn’t be happier. The blade fires and locks solidly no matter the conditions I am using it in.
lubricate it, adjust the pivot.
I just got this knife the other day. My brother-in-law and a buddy were looking through some stuff from an impounded car, that was not claimed. Being that neither of them know much of anything about firearms, I was called. In the mix were 30-06 rounds, 7.62x39's, a magazine for an AR/M16/M4 (couldn't believe they didn't know what that was) and a Kershaw launch 1. Since I'd never owned a Kershaw, I did my research. I've had a Buck auto for a couple years and after handling the Kershaw I decided it would replace the Buck as my carry knife. It opens faster and I really like the beefy blade.
I carried a spring assisted Kershaw in Iraq. Never left the FOB without it "dummy corded" to me. Great knife and blade.
I have been using the USA made Kershaw Ken Onion blur for around 6 months now. Love it. Black blade, olive handle scales...
John High Currently carrying a Blur Ken Onion with he S30V steel. Love it.
Awesome! Our tastes are very similar. Here in Michigan the repeal takes effect October 10th, my calendar is marked!
Been wanting this for awhile, thanks to your review I'm pulling the trigger! Or pushing the button, however you want to look at it!
My dad got this knife for me as a graduation gift, it was hands down my favorite EDC pocket knife until it was stolen from me :( still waiting on the replacement to arrive
Love my Launch 1. Mine has the OD green scales. Thanks for another solid post.
That is on my list for sure. Thanks for the review. Can't wait for part two.
When I look at it, I say wow that looks a lot like my zt 0095bw. Just bought the dash and this will be my next purchase. Seems to be a greater knife.
I own this knife and decided to add some glock-grip to the handles. The aluminum was just too slick for me. The force of the deployment almost jerks the knife out of your hand.
Own the #5 , totally love it really nice usa build. Want to get launch 1 next. Thanks,Harry
We can carry auto knifes in ILLINOIS but we need to have a foid card to be able to use one. Some states are allowing auto knifes but check your local town restrictions,
I don't have any Kershaws, but maybe this knife will change that ;)
watching this again way later. Great video, Really wish the Emerson one was still around. Why the heck did they discontinue that? that is nuts to me
I just put out my review of the Launch 1 and I have to agree, Aaron, this thing is AWESOME!
You seriously couldn't have picked two better autos to review first. Been trying to decide between the Launch 1 and the Launch 5. Thanks!
Been excited for these videos. Really interested in the knives. Great job gt
If kershaw can put that steel on a knife for that price with U.S. production why don't they put it on more of their knives? Is it just me, wouldn't a bunch of U.S. made non-auto kershaw knives in cpm-154 for $60 to $100 dominate that price point? I'm certainly getting one of these even though I'm not that into autos because of the price.
Cool. I'm in Colorado too and I've been looking for an auto. Not gonna run out and buy one this second because I have a lot more important things to drop $100 on than yet another knife but when I have the cash I'll be grabbing on of the Launch knives.
For the money, you can't go wrong with Kershaw.
great video I have the launch 6 and i use it everyday but I might need to add that launch 1 as well man it looks good. I love autos
Just picked up the 74 (dessert warrior) edition from Blade HQ, love it so far. also Blade HQ is a great Co. Great customer service etc.
Lucky.... They are officially legal in Michigan on October 10th, 2017.
I have the Launch 5. Great knife, has been my EDC since I got it. Love the CPM 154. Curious about your next vid :)
Nice blade, sadly illegal here in England. Keep 'em coming Aaron.
Practically any knife is illegal there now...
My problem is that I'm right handed and the fire button is not reversible or double sided. I want to be able to have my "trigger finger" so to speak on the deployment device whatever it be, a flipper or a button WHILE IN POCKET. I don't know that my thumb will reach that button while this is still clipped inside my pocket. I have been looking for a replacement for my EDC Kershaw Clash for years but have yet to find a design that can be deployed as quickly and easily, I can have my index finger resting on the speedsafe flipper outside my pants and ready to fire the second it's drawn from pocket.
Next month new Texas knife laws go into effect. Which makes large blades legal to carry.
This is what kershaw needs to transfer to their other knives and by extension blades. They are getting boring all you hear about from kershaw is 8cr and sanvick. Change up the steels, get people excited, I would love to get a Skyline in something like CTS-XHP or D2 something with better edge retention.
I just returned one. The button felt gritty when you pressed it down. I had cheaper autos feel more smooth than this. Also where I read a review where I purchased it , said it felt gritty as well and that was two years ago. Did your button feel gritty on deployment?
Had a launch 4 that was gritty. After 5 or so years it smoothed out a little. Decided to get a replacement button from Kershaw, and then it was buttery smooth. I think it's more how the original buttons were manufactured
Appreciate the review. It is a cool looking knife but personally, I'll wait (a good while) til there's a substantial track record on durability of the launch mechanism. I went crazy on Ken Onion Kershaw assisted openers for awhile (liked flipping 'em open) and discovered that the spring w/ break ~ twice/year. I've since moved into unassisted flippers and find I prefer their (relative) simplicity. I'm hard pressed to envision the gain (other than the cool factor) from taking on a more complex mechanism.
If you like to fidget check out the ganzo adimante skimen
I didn't know the Michigan knife law had changed. (that's the kind of thing you never hear on msm) Thanks for the heads up!
It deploys very quickly!
Autos are now legal in my state but no blades over 3", poor Michigan, I still carry my pm2 though....
Patrick Jennings I believe you can carry a knife over 3 inches in Michigan. It's all about "intent".
You're correct, "unlawful intent" is the term I believe, it's rather vauge but so is most of law.
Patrick Jennings yeah, I typically carry a 3.5 inch blade. If you're a law abiding citizen and say that you carry your knife for utility reasons, you shouldn't have too many problems. I wish we could carry fixed blades in Michigan.
I've come to the same conclusion
I like to think of the bigger knife like an old calvary dagger meets the future.
You should do a review of the tops kukri
What's the maroon speedsafe you used to compare the speed of the spring.?
Justin Watkins thank you!
Brian Montana, it's the House of Blades special edition. They make it in blue too.
my Link in 20CV is pretty lazy in the action department. anyone else have one like that? its doesnt always even open...which is weird for an assisted opening knife. I can actually swing it shut once the lock bar is released. Can you get replacement torsion bars from Kershaw?
It may be broken, fill out a form in their website and they'll mail you a torsion bar for free
Thanks GT!
Gideon you think that the Ontario knife company RD Tanto is a good knife ?
Where in Colorado are you? Just curious from a fellow resident
Are you in a bug proof mesh shelter? Can you share what it is?
I have the Launch 1 and I love the knife, BUT mine has a bit of up and down play in it. I was wondering if anyone else is having this type of an issue or did I just get one with a slight defect?
Out of the two which one do y like better, the 5 or 1 ?
I have this knife in the blue got it about 3wks ago gonna sell it or swap it , im a diehard spyderco fan
This would launch right into a jugular...
I think the Blue Launch 1 is the best looking one so far.
I suspect that your state, though, still has the ever-elastic "If a police officer feels unsafe with you having it they can still take it" policy.
I want it, but feel that the second your hands get sweaty that thing is going to turn into a wet bar of soap.. Thats the only thing holding me back.
TREKtillidie I own one and have beat the crap out of it and never had any issues with slippage, BUT I have added so skate board tape to the handle scales just for a little extra grip. It doesn’t need it, but I did it anyways. Just my two cents!
O yes got one. 😎 auto knives love them .
anyone know if this is legal to carry concealed in california??
No way lol, sorry but cali has the strictest weapon laws in the USA. I can open carry in Ohio though.
Will it replace the lw Manix?
thomas bussberg no, but it is a great knife
Warning to all those that buy this auto knife. If you send your auto knife to Kershaw for warranty or for any other reason they will not mail it back to your address even if it is legal where you live. They are located in Oregon are there State will only allow them to send it to some dealer instead. They have had mine for mouths now!
Looking forward for the launch 5 instead. Not a fan of the blade shape.
Fair point
Hmm. I wonder what Florida laws are.... Great Vid.
You can own and carry them. I live in Florida.
@@7thStreetGardenStrangler about the only knife banned here is ballistic knives.
Left hand opening sketchy, especially in a self defense situation. Easy to drop knife feeling for button.
OldGrowthRedwood I could understand that. Benchmade Axis auto would have better ergonomics, as well as a top slide otf.
Michigan knife law will change on October 10, 2017. Senate Bill 245, recently signed into law, will eliminate the current prohibition on the sale or possession of spring-assisted knives, referred to as “switch blades” in Michigan statutes
Then you have Texas where we're able to open carry swords 😂😂
Love that Belly!! Hate NM, Can't even OWN an Auto! Back in TX, Cause one hand operated my wheelchair I was Legally able to use an Auto because I was considered a "one armed person", not here, going to order one anyway, waiting for your full review first ;)
Now if only we could get the same legislation moving here in Michigan.
Wow, this video reminded me to buy an auto. #puremichigan
I like to carry a knives in everyday life but the Japanese law doesn't allow us to carry without the purposes like Hiking and fishing. I'm really afraid of North to shoot us because I live in near US bases.
kazuyasu rioka
You're afraid of being shot for carrying a knife?
Just letting you know. “Overall” length refers to the knife with the blade out. Which is not 4.625” as you said. That is the handle length. Overall for this guy is 8”.
Ugh my state's knife laws are bull shit
Noah Koenig Same, NJ laws suck
Same, California lawmakers are smoking something crazy.
Noah Koenig which state? I'm loving this knife but am from NY and autos are illegal! Damn
Im def going to be getting some kershaw launches. Can't wait. And I see you have the link in better steel and I'm sure you heard but they just made a link in m390! I just bought one. Can't wait to get it. Www.dpknives.com are the only ones who have it, and only 78$!!!
hmmmm a knife to replace my gerber covert???
Jesse riding nice!!!
Still can't carry in Missouri as far as I can tell. Missouri has some of the dumbest knife laws.
They legalized autos in 2012.
Its legal in Mo.
Is that a station wagon 🤣
Bwuaaahaaa! Us men don't call them that now a days. I had a station wagon in the 80's though!!!
Texas new law regarding Bowie knives starts Sept. 1.
plain It looks for me strange result# separate . . .
Dang I'm going to have to unsubscribe....I can't afford to watch your knife videos anymore. Looks like a great knife at a great price!
+ Banchmade Casbah +
"AlLoWiNG uS"? "lAnD oF tHe FrEe" 🤦🏿
And I love JESUS, my Lord and Savior.
2 Timothy 4:2King James Version (KJV)
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.