That's why I went with the 5. I'm only going to buy one, so I went with sturdiest one out of the bunch. I've had it for about 6 months or so and no complaints. It you put a good edge on it it'll easily slice through all the stuff you cut, without the saw action, for the most part (got to get it started on the cardboard tube and the like). I can clean shave with one swipe, it gets SHARP.
I know it's not the best, but it's not at all the worst. Cook County sales tax is awful, but we did get recreational pot before tons of other states. I actually voted against it, but it's just proof that Illinois is no longer the iron fisted regime of yesteryear.
After many years now I have come to like the spring clips more than the deep carry clips for comfort. However, my situation doesn't favor concealment. I like that Benchmade has choices. Nice auto, excellent vid as usual.
.308or5.56? My vote is for the bk9. I've bought and traded off most of the others on your list. The BK9 is stellar (imo), I've had it for about 3 years, and nothing has been able to beat it yet. Good luck on your decision!
.308or5.56? I even spent the money for custom scales and a custom leather/kydex hybrid sheath. It's honestly my favorite blade period, but a little overboard for anything but the woods/camp/chores. Lol I even throw it! It's a beast, and throws surprisingly nice.
ughh. I really slept on this one. I like this A LOT. I think its my favorite Launch design, and thats saying something because these knives are very cool. Very capable, AND very good looking designs. Besides the 13, they are all pretty understated and classy looking. I would actually be happy to have any one of them, but I have my preferences. OH well,...guess Im going with either the 1 or the 11. They discontinued some of the best of the series for some reason. too many cali legal models, and now the line is down 3!! EDC sized models. whats with that? do cali legals really sell that well?!?!
You aren't helping my Blade OCD, I just ordered the Same one in this video, I liked that Gray with the Stonewashed look and just the overall looks of it, next month I'll Have to get the #1 cause of that belly. Great reviews as always.
I also live in Colorado can you do a quick go over of the laws here regarding knives I've tried to research this myself but all the legal jargon is hard to understand
Has Colorado added the preemptive provision to the law yet? Kansas had to add it after the laws were relaxed. Personally, I find it less convenient to use this sort of knife. I often have to look for the button and then use two hands to close it. Some knives have safety switches that slow it further when bumped to safe. I like the way Kershaw set up the Emerson, but I know I would not carry it, just like my other autos.
Aaron, I own the Launch 5. I bought it from Blade HQ. The knife was not sharp at all and the edge geometry was absolutely horrible. I actually had to give the edge a proper degree and sharpen it with my diamond block, then Japanese stones. Now I like the knife, but for $104.00, it should have arrived sharp and ready to go. Next time I won't fail to pull the trigger on a REAL folder and get a ProTech Knife.
+gideonstactical I thought about sending it back, then read comments of other people having the same luck. I didn't want to go through all that, then receive another dud.
Indeed my friend. I was going to purchase a TR-3 X1 Tactical Response Automatic Knife with Fish Scales at Blade HQ after my vacation, but when I got back they were all out.
I've examined several of these trying to decide on the color and they were all very nice. I agree that you most likely got a fluke. Kershaw has excellent warranty service in my opinion and would have took care of it. Good you were able to sort it out yourself.
Michigan's law changed recently too. Just waiting the 6mo period before the law comes into effect. Crappy part here in MI is no knife preemption. So nearly every local municipality has it's own laws. Sigh.
David Pyzik I'm pretty sure, no matter what, state law always supercedes local County and city laws. Double check this but if the state says it's ok, you can always fight it if city tries to get you for it.
.308or5.56, Auto knives being legal. They've been illegal up until just a couple weeks ago. The bill required 6 months before taking effect so it's not quite law yet, but soon. Keep in mind. There is no state preemption for knifes so local laws still supersede state law when pertaining to knives.
Any worries of having an auto without a lock pop open in your pocket? Was playing with these yesterday and was a bit concerned I'd do some damage... :S
Only took a few days for my keys to activate the button in my pocket. Luckily I didn't get cut. I haven't carried it much since and only with nothing else in my pocket.
I bought one at launch, was horrible. Grind was uneven, as was the edge. Also they tend fail deploy... as in bouncing off the stop pin and the blade fails to lock. The whole series is a fail due to a design flaw the spring doesn't apply consistent enough pressure throughout the blade swing range it's too light at the point of lockup.
Good review, but I cannot buy Kershaw again. I had two assisted (not automatic) Kershaws. Both assist springs broke within a week. The knives were too inexpensive to make it worth while to send back for a new spring or refund. It's too bad, as I really liked the knives for the short time they worked. Hope people have better luck with the autos.
Tony Westin I've had the same luck. I bit the bullet and tried again. I was very happily surprised. The launch 5 is my go to, and I don't really like folders too much.
My state Wisconsin removed blades completely from the dangerous objects list, own and carry any blade you want anyway you want, can edc an auto, balisong or a bk9. There's been no noticeable change in knife crimes, all the draconian restrictions WI had effected only law abiding people, they didn't make anyone safer. I wonder what anti knife people and lawmakers and have to say about things like this? All the responsible people live in WI? Yeah that ain't true, trust me.
That's why I went with the 5. I'm only going to buy one, so I went with sturdiest one out of the bunch. I've had it for about 6 months or so and no complaints. It you put a good edge on it it'll easily slice through all the stuff you cut, without the saw action, for the most part (got to get it started on the cardboard tube and the like). I can clean shave with one swipe, it gets SHARP.
This law even passed in my Commy state of IL!
I know it's not the best, but it's not at all the worst. Cook County sales tax is awful, but we did get recreational pot before tons of other states. I actually voted against it, but it's just proof that Illinois is no longer the iron fisted regime of yesteryear.
What u think about the firstedge 1450 auto? Just pick up one with a super deal for $99. Elmax blade g10 scales, it definitely a hard use blade..
After many years now I have come to like the spring clips more than the deep carry clips for comfort. However, my situation doesn't favor concealment. I like that Benchmade has choices. Nice auto, excellent vid as usual.
Hiker Marapese thanks!!
gideonstactical buying 1st chopper which to get.bk9 rtak2 sp53 sp5 sp10??? Thanks
.308or5.56? My vote is for the bk9. I've bought and traded off most of the others on your list. The BK9 is stellar (imo), I've had it for about 3 years, and nothing has been able to beat it yet. Good luck on your decision!
Conflicted007 ya I've been leaning towards the bk9
.308or5.56? I even spent the money for custom scales and a custom leather/kydex hybrid sheath. It's honestly my favorite blade period, but a little overboard for anything but the woods/camp/chores. Lol I even throw it! It's a beast, and throws surprisingly nice.
ughh. I really slept on this one. I like this A LOT. I think its my favorite Launch design, and thats saying something because these knives are very cool. Very capable, AND very good looking designs. Besides the 13, they are all pretty understated and classy looking. I would actually be happy to have any one of them, but I have my preferences. OH well,...guess Im going with either the 1 or the 11. They discontinued some of the best of the series for some reason. too many cali legal models, and now the line is down 3!! EDC sized models. whats with that? do cali legals really sell that well?!?!
Really like the tip-up picket clip. Dig the finish. Not sure about the deep finger contour in the handle.
Very good review. Thanks for posting.
I bought a Kershaw Launch 6 about 3 months ago and really like it.
Would you take a launch 5 or a Gerber Auto Propel? I really like the propel but hear they have issues locking upon deployment.
You aren't helping my Blade OCD, I just ordered the Same one in this video, I liked that Gray with the Stonewashed look and just the overall looks of it, next month I'll Have to get the #1 cause of that belly. Great reviews as always.
Aaron Cross, I love the belly and the ergo's of it, but I need a Automatic more for Self Defense till I get my CCW, But I'll be getting that one next.
I also live in Colorado can you do a quick go over of the laws here regarding knives I've tried to research this myself but all the legal jargon is hard to understand
I found CPM 154 to be much better than S30V. (Tested on the Launch1)
Hey Aaron, just got my Cold Steelw G.I. Tanto used your hyperlink hope it helps keep up the great content my friens.
I really like my boker autos. Actually like the Strike more than the ak. My next auto will be one of these. 7 models to get so many choices
Do you have a particular preference between this and the launch 1?
Watch the video
Thanks for this review and your help showing the Different Use concept, it Really helps decide which one I want! (#5 w/#1 belly) :D
Has Colorado added the preemptive provision to the law yet? Kansas had to add it after the laws were relaxed. Personally, I find it less convenient to use this sort of knife. I often have to look for the button and then use two hands to close it. Some knives have safety switches that slow it further when bumped to safe. I like the way Kershaw set up the Emerson, but I know I would not carry it, just like my other autos.
Legal in CO for about 6 months now.
Since you are doing auto blades now. Please do a review of the ganzo/ Firebird line for those of us not made of money.
I would rather save money for 4 months and buy a quality knife then. Spend 30 bucks on a shit knife.
Aaron, I own the Launch 5. I bought it from Blade HQ. The knife was not sharp at all and the edge geometry was absolutely horrible. I actually had to give the edge a proper degree and sharpen it with my diamond block, then Japanese stones. Now I like the knife, but for $104.00, it should have arrived sharp and ready to go. Next time I won't fail to pull the trigger on a REAL folder and get a ProTech Knife.
mister smith weird that was not the case for me. I would have sent it back for another one.
+gideonstactical I thought about sending it back, then read comments of other people having the same luck. I didn't want to go through all that, then receive another dud.
mister smith protechs are perfection
Indeed my friend. I was going to purchase a TR-3 X1 Tactical Response Automatic Knife with Fish Scales at Blade HQ after my vacation, but when I got back they were all out.
I've examined several of these trying to decide on the color and they were all very nice. I agree that you most likely got a fluke. Kershaw has excellent warranty service in my opinion and would have took care of it. Good you were able to sort it out yourself.
Always really enjoy your videos. Thanks
Michigan's law changed recently too. Just waiting the 6mo period before the law comes into effect.
Crappy part here in MI is no knife preemption. So nearly every local municipality has it's own laws. Sigh.
David Pyzik I'm pretty sure, no matter what, state law always supercedes local County and city laws. Double check this but if the state says it's ok, you can always fight it if city tries to get you for it.
David Pyzik what Michigan law change d
.308or5.56, Auto knives being legal. They've been illegal up until just a couple weeks ago. The bill required 6 months before taking effect so it's not quite law yet, but soon.
Keep in mind. There is no state preemption for knifes so local laws still supersede state law when pertaining to knives.
Surago, Unfortunately that is not the case here in Michigan. We don't have knife preemption (yet).
Aaron, there are a few local guys here that are working with them and I think they helped with the auto knife bill.
In Euope this knife definited " a scatto" is forbidden
Ermanno Azzolini Soprattutto qui in Italia 😉
Nah..i own one (live in the netherlands)
Any worries of having an auto without a lock pop open in your pocket? Was playing with these yesterday and was a bit concerned I'd do some damage... :S
Only took a few days for my keys to activate the button in my pocket. Luckily I didn't get cut. I haven't carried it much since and only with nothing else in my pocket.
Got one
I bought one at launch, was horrible. Grind was uneven, as was the edge. Also they tend fail deploy... as in bouncing off the stop pin and the blade fails to lock. The whole series is a fail due to a design flaw the spring doesn't apply consistent enough pressure throughout the blade swing range it's too light at the point of lockup.
Good review, but I cannot buy Kershaw again. I had two assisted (not automatic) Kershaws. Both assist springs broke within a week. The knives were too inexpensive to make it worth while to send back for a new spring or refund. It's too bad, as I really liked the knives for the short time they worked. Hope people have better luck with the autos.
Tony Westin I've had the same luck. I bit the bullet and tried again. I was very happily surprised. The launch 5 is my go to, and I don't really like folders too much.
Good to know Aaron.
Thanks Aaron!
My state Wisconsin removed blades completely from the dangerous objects list, own and carry any blade you want anyway you want, can edc an auto, balisong or a bk9. There's been no noticeable change in knife crimes, all the draconian restrictions WI had effected only law abiding people, they didn't make anyone safer. I wonder what anti knife people and lawmakers and have to say about things like this? All the responsible people live in WI? Yeah that ain't true, trust me.
The Launch 5 with black handle and stonewash blade has a red deployment button.
Gt, come on man. You didn't help me at all. I want both of them lol. Great video again brother
Very nice
I want the Launch 1 but.... Canadian Laws sigh :(
Weston Road sorry my friend