The popularity of Kershaw’s Launch 4 has launched several new smaller automatics for 2019.

This is the Launch 9. And while it may look like a smaller version of our best-selling Launch 2, the Launch 9 has its own special appeal. Its compact size makes it easy to carry—and appropriate in a variety of situations where you wouldn’t pull out a more aggressive-looking knife. It offers a refined look; almost a gentleman’s automatic.

But only “almost.” The Launch 9’s drop-point blade is CPM 154 with a “working” finish. This finish is somewhat rougher than stonewashed and meant to easily hide the scuffs and scratches that a working knife earns as it does its job. CPM 154 steel takes and holds an excellent edge, offers good corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and toughness.

Like the rest of the Launch series, the Launch 9’s handle is anodized aluminum. In this case, it’s anodized in basic matte black for everyday good looks. A push-button on the handle opens the knife quickly. Push the button again to release the blade to fold it back into the handle.

The Launch 9 features an integrated backspacer with a lanyard hole—perfect for a paracord attachment—and a reversible (left/right, tip-up) pocketclip.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Made in the USA
• Integrated backspacer with lanyard hole
• Push-button open
• Push-button lock release
• Reversible deep-carry pocketclip (right/left, tip-up)
• Steel: CPM 154, working finish
• Handle: 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized
• Blade Length: 1.8 in. (4.6 cm)
• Closed Length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
• Overall Length: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
• Weight: 1.6 oz. (46 g)