Introduction
Kershaw, a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and craftsmanship, continues to push the boundaries of knife-making with their Launch series. Among this series, the Launch 12 Automatic Knife has become a favorite for knife enthusiasts and everyday users. Made entirely in the USA, this compact yet powerful push-button automatic knife has captured the attention of those who value both form and function.
The Launch 12 is not just a knife; it's a statement of style, engineering, and robust performance. With its spear point CPM-154 steel blade and a stonewash finish, it's easy to see why it's one of the most popular USA-made knife series in recent years. The recessed push-button ensures safety, while the sleek design and reversible tip-up pocket clip make it a perfect choice for everyday carry (EDC).
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various facets of the Kershaw Launch 12, delving into its design, materials, functionality, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned knife collector or someone seeking a reliable EDC knife, join us as we unfold the attributes that make the Launch 12 a much-loved addition to the Kershaw family.
Design and Appearance
The Kershaw Launch 12's design is a harmonious blend of aesthetic beauty and utilitarian functionality. The appearance is sophisticated and sleek, yet it retains a rugged edge that speaks to its capabilities as a tool.
Blade Design
The spear point CPM-154 steel blade is a standout feature of the Launch 12. Its symmetrical shape offers a balance that is visually appealing and provides excellent piercing and cutting abilities. The stonewash finish adds to its character by giving it a slightly textured and worn look. This finish doesn't just add aesthetic charm; it also helps hide scratches and maintain the blade's appearance over time.
Handle Design
The handle is another aspect where the Launch 12 excels. Combining aluminum with carbon fiber, it presents an elegant and lightweight structure. The carbon fiber adds a layer of sophistication and reduces the overall weight without compromising strength. The gentle curves of the handle align seamlessly with the blade, offering a streamlined appearance that feels cohesive and intentional.
Color and Finish
The stonewash finish of the blade complements the sleek black handle, resulting in a cohesive and understated look. The stonewash provides a textured appearance that adds depth to the blade, while the black handle offers a classic and timeless appeal.
Overall Impression
The Launch 12's design is not overly ornate or flashy but exudes refined elegance. Its appearance reflects careful consideration of both form and function, providing an attractive package that doesn't sacrifice usability. Every line and curve is meticulously thought out, resulting in a knife that feels as good in the hand as it looks to the eye.
In conclusion, the design and appearance of the Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife serve as a testament to Kershaw's commitment to excellence in design. It's a knife that successfully marries visual appeal with practical features, making it a must-have for those who appreciate the fine art of knife making. Whether displayed in a collection or used as a trusted everyday tool, the Launch 12's design will impress.
Size and Portability
One key aspect that often defines a knife's usability, especially for everyday carry, is its size and portability. The Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife strikes an impressive balance in this regard, offering a compact yet highly functional tool.
Blade Length
At 2.5 inches, the blade of the Launch 12 is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease. While compact enough to be discreet and convenient, the blade's length and shape provide sufficient cutting edge to perform various tasks.
Overall Length
The overall length of 6.2 inches makes the Launch 12 a very manageable size for carrying. It's long enough to provide a substantial grip but not so large that it becomes cumbersome.
Handle Length
The handle's 3.625-inch length ensures a comfortable grip, allowing precise control and ease of use. It accommodates a wide range of hand sizes without feeling too big or too small.
Weight
Weighing in at just 1.9 ounces, the Launch 12 is remarkably lightweight. The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber in the handle contributes to this minimal weight, making it easy to carry without being a burden.
Pocket Clip
A left/right reversible tip-up pocket clip adds to the Launch 12's portability. This thoughtful design feature allows for secure carrying in a pocket and makes it accessible to right- and left-handed users.
Suitability for Everyday Carry (EDC)
All these factors combine to make the Launch 12 an ideal candidate for everyday carry. Its compact size, lightweight nature, and versatile blade design ensure that it can be a reliable companion for daily tasks, while the pocket clip ensures that it's always within reach.
Summary
The Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife has been designed with portability in mind. Its dimensions and weight are perfectly balanced to offer a knife that's easy to carry and yet fully functional for a wide range of tasks. Whether you're an urban dweller needing a daily tool or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a lightweight yet robust knife, the Launch 12 offers a solution that keeps quality and performance high. Its size and portability reflect a thoughtful design process aimed at providing a knife that's both convenient and dependable, a perfect embodiment of Kershaw's dedication to quality and innovation.
Mechanism and Functionality
The Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife's functionality is deeply intertwined with its mechanical design. As an automatic push-button knife, it offers a unique set of features that enhance its usability and performance.
Push-Button Mechanism
The centerpiece of the Launch 12's functionality is its USA-made push-button automatic opening mechanism. Positioned for easy access, the push button is recessed into the handle to prevent accidental deployment. With a simple press, the blade is released, deploying swiftly and locking securely in place. This provides an effortless and efficient way to ready the knife for use.
Blade Locking
The secure locking mechanism ensures that once the blade is deployed, it remains firmly in place during use. This is vital for safe handling and enables the user to apply pressure during cutting without worrying about the blade folding back.
Blade Material and Edge
Constructed from CPM-154 Stainless Steel, the blade offers excellent corrosion resistance, toughness, and edge retention. This high-quality steel ensures that the Launch 12 can handle a variety of tasks without losing its sharpness quickly.
Closing Mechanism
Closing the blade is equally straightforward. A simple press of the push button releases the lock, allowing the user to carefully close the blade with minimal effort. The double-action of the mechanism ensures that both opening and closing are smooth and intuitive.
Safety Considerations
The recessed design of the push button adds an extra layer of safety by minimizing the risk of unintentional blade deployment. This attention to safety is a hallmark of Kershaw's design philosophy and adds to the confidence one can have in carrying and using this knife.
Left/Right Reversible Pocket Clip
The inclusion of a left/right reversible tip-up pocket clip ensures that the knife can be carried comfortably by both right and left-handed users. This adaptability enhances the overall functionality by making it accessible to a broader range of people.
Summary
The mechanism and functionality of the Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife are key factors in its appeal. Its push-button automatic design provides rapid and reliable deployment, while the quality materials and thoughtful safety features ensure that it can be used with confidence. Whether for everyday tasks or specialized uses, the Launch 12's functionality speaks to Kershaw's commitment to providing innovative and practical tools. This is a knife designed with both efficiency and user-friendliness in mind, reflecting a mature understanding of what knife enthusiasts and everyday users truly need. The Launch 12 stands as a testament to Kershaw's engineering excellence and focus on user experience.
Blade Quality and Performance
The blade is often considered the heart of any knife, and the Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife is no exception. Its design, materials, and finish directly contribute to the performance, and in this section, we will explore these factors in detail.
Blade Material: CPM-154 Stainless Steel
The Launch 12 features a blade made from CPM-154 Stainless Steel, a premium-grade material known for its excellent combination of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This material choice ensures that the blade can withstand demanding tasks without chipping or breaking, and its resistance to corrosion makes it suitable for various environments.
Blade Shape: Spear Point
The spear point design of the blade provides a symmetrical shape with a fine tip, allowing for both controlled cuts and piercing actions. This versatile blade shape contributes to the knife's all-around usability, suitable for a wide range of cutting and slicing tasks.
Blade Finish: Stonewash
The stonewash finish adds to the blade's aesthetic appeal and also serves a functional purpose by hiding scratches and scuffs that may occur during regular use. This finish gives the blade a rugged look while maintaining its appearance over time.
Edge Retention
CPM-154 Stainless Steel is well-regarded for its ability to hold an edge. The Launch 12's blade stays sharp for an extended period, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. This edge retention enhances overall performance and user satisfaction, especially for those who rely on their knife for daily tasks.
Cutting Performance
In practice, the Launch 12's blade performs admirably in various cutting scenarios. Whether slicing through cardboard, cutting rope, or precision tasks like whittling, the blade's sharpness, and shape make these tasks effortless. The spear point design, combined with the quality steel, ensures that the knife can handle both delicate and robust cutting chores.
Blade Safety
The strong locking mechanism guarantees that the blade stays securely in place during use. This stability is essential for safe operation and allows the user to apply force without the blade unexpectedly closing.
Summary
The Kershaw Launch 12's blade quality and performance are standout features that reflect thoughtful design and premium material choices. The CPM-154 Stainless Steel blade, combined with the versatile spear point shape and attractive stonewash finish, creates a tool that's not only visually appealing but also exceptionally functional. Its ability to retain a sharp edge and perform reliably across various tasks sets it apart as a high-quality option for those seeking a versatile and dependable automatic knife. Whether for everyday use or specialized needs, the Launch 12's blade is crafted to deliver consistent and impressive performance, solidifying its place as a favorite among knife enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
Handle Ergonomics and Material
The handle of a knife is more than just a place to grip; it's an essential part of the tool that significantly influences user comfort and control. The Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife is designed with a handle that complements the blade's quality and performance. Let's delve into the specifics of the handle's ergonomics and material.
Handle Material: Aluminum and Carbon Fiber
The Launch 12 features a handle made from aluminum, with additional carbon fiber elements. Aluminum is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, providing a solid yet lightweight frame. The incorporation of carbon fiber adds to the visual appeal and contributes to the overall sturdiness without adding significant weight. Together, these materials create a durable handle that withstands daily use without sacrificing comfort.
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomics of the Launch 12's handle have been carefully considered to ensure a comfortable and secure grip. The contours of the handle are designed to fit naturally within the hand, providing a confident grasp. The slight curvature and strategically placed finger grooves further enhance the grip, allowing for precise control during cutting tasks.
Weight Consideration
Weighing in at just 1.9 oz, the Launch 12 offers a lightweight yet robust handle. This balance ensures that the knife can be used for extended periods without causing fatigue, a feature appreciated by those who rely on their knife throughout the day.
Pocket Clip
The left/right reversible tip-up pocket clip ensures that the knife can be securely and comfortably carried. Its positioning and design make it easy to clip onto pockets or belts, and the reversibility adds to the handle's overall usability for both right and left-handed individuals.
Aesthetic Appeal
The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber, along with the sleek lines of the handle's design, gives the Launch 12 a sophisticated appearance. Its aesthetic is both modern and timeless, appealing to knife enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Summary
The handle of the Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife reflects a harmonious blend of form and function. Its ergonomic design, combined with quality materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, ensures a comfortable and secure grip. The lightweight construction, user-friendly pocket clip, and elegant appearance further enhance the overall experience. Whether in extended use or simply as part of an everyday carry kit, the handle's ergonomics, and material choices contribute to making the Launch 12 a pleasure to hold and use. This handle is not merely an afterthought but a well-crafted component that complements the knife's blade, resulting in a cohesive and highly effective tool that stands as a testament to Kershaw's commitment to quality and user satisfaction.
Conclusion
The Kershaw Launch 12 Automatic Knife stands as a remarkable addition to the field of everyday carry knives, reflecting meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of what users truly need in a tool. From the compact and sleek spear point blade made of high-quality CPM-154 stainless steel to the robust yet elegant handle crafted from aluminum and carbon fiber, every aspect of this knife has been designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.
One must recognize the knife's exceptional size and portability, with its weight and dimensions tailored for effortless carry and use. The mechanism and functionality offer reliability and a satisfying user experience, providing a swift and secure deployment that speaks to the knife's overall quality. Meanwhile, the focus on blade performance ensures that the knife is not only a beautiful object but a practical one, ready to tackle a variety of tasks.
But what sets the Launch 12 apart is its synthesis of all these elements into a cohesive and efficient tool. Whether it's the specific choice of materials, the ergonomic design of the handle, or the thoughtful inclusion of features such as the reversible pocket clip, the Launch 12 shows that Kershaw has considered the complete user experience.
Made in the USA, the Kershaw Launch 12 represents a successful blend of tradition, innovation, quality craftsmanship, and modern design. It's a knife that appeals to both enthusiasts and everyday users, offering quality without compromise and functionality without unnecessary complexity. In the crowded field of automatic knives, the Launch 12 stands out as a benchmark, setting a standard that others would do well to follow. For those seeking a reliable, attractive, and well-engineered knife, the Kershaw Launch 12 is indeed a launch into a new realm of excellence.