And another bargain on an Auto

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hso

hso

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Kershaw's Launch series of autos have been a remarkable value. Getting a CPM 154 blade Al body coil spring auto for under $100 delivered is quite remarkable. I'm beginning to sound like a shill with 3 switchblade posts, but each made me excited for different reasons (and if Boker puts a better blade in their knife I'l be posting about that as well)!

kershaw-launch-auto-1-blackwash-blue-cm.jpg
SPECIFICATIONS
  • Overall Length:8.00"
  • Blade Length:3.375"
  • Cutting Edge:3.50"
  • Blade Thickness:0.12"
  • Blade Material:CPM-154
  • Blade Style:Clip Point
  • Blade Grind:Flat
  • Finish:Black Stonewash
  • Edge Type:plain
  • Handle Length:4.625"
  • Handle Thickness:0.47"
  • Handle Material:Aluminum
  • Color:Blue
  • Weight:3.95 oz.
  • User:Right Hand, Left Hand
  • Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
  • Opener:push Button
  • Lock Type:plunge Lock
  • Brand:Kershaw
  • Model:Launch
 
hso said:
  • Blade Length:3.375"
  • Cutting Edge:3.50
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Huh? I assume length is measured linear and cutting edge is around the curved face? Struck me as odd. I don’t want a switch, but I like that knife a lot. Maybe they make something similar in a non-switch folder.
 
I really like the Launch series. I have a 2, a 6, and a 7.

One issue to be mindful of is that the Launch knives have been known to have a bit of lock bounce. They sometimes hit the stop so hard, so fast that it bounces off the stop before the lock can engage meaning the blade doesn't lock open. This issue was the greatest with my 2, the shortest of the three, but I was able to slow the blade down by adjusting the pivot just a tad tighter.

The 6 still give me some issues. If you open it blade down, it won't lock 1 out of 10 fired. No big deal.

Now, the 7 is awesome. 100% over hundreds of fires. The reason for this is in the cut out at tang, I think. I don't have pictures to show the difference, but my 2 and 6 have a very shallow cut outs where it meets the stop. The 7 is very deep. It actually overlaps the pin. At any rate, the new Launch 7 is my favorite regarding performance. The 2 is the most practical for day to day use. The 6 just looks the meanest:D
 
So who sells them to civilians? All of the places I usually buy knives from require me to sign an untruthful statement that I'm allowed to receive an automatic knife through interstate shipment.
 
Elkins45 said:
Kentucky
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Really? I thought Kentucky was a lot looser on automatics. I bought a few at a knife show in Louisville 10 years ago. Granted it was a knife show, but they just sold them to whomever. Never bought one from a LGS down there.

I'm in Indiana and they finally struck down draconian automatic laws a couple years ago. You won't see a Launch in sporting goods big box store, but if you make it to southern Indiana area around Evansville, I can recommend a couple of good stores with a decent selection where you just pay and walk out the door.
 
Fiv3r said:
Really? I thought Kentucky was a lot looser on automatics. I bought a few at a knife show in Louisville 10 years ago. Granted it was a knife show, but they just sold them to whomever. Never bought one from a LGS down there.

I'm in Indiana and they finally struck down draconian automatic laws a couple years ago. You won't see a Launch in sporting goods big box store, but if you make it to southern Indiana area around Evansville, I can recommend a couple of good stores with a decent selection where you just pay and walk out the door.
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Yeah, if there's a knife show you can buy something a dealer has in stock. That doesn't help if you want a specific model and try to buy it online. All of the big online sellers that have pretty good stock also require you to sign a certification that you're a LEO or other allowed person. I'm not willing to lie just to buy a knife.

There's a knife store in Louisville I may try to visit, and another one in Newport.
 
I've just never had an itch to buy a switchblade. A Spyderco, something with a thumb stud or assisted opening, has always been fast enough for me. But if you don't stop posting photo's of them it is going to cost me money.
 
I only have one Auto currently (a Benchmade Presidio I). I'm seriously considering this one though.
 
Speedo66 said:
Have you been to Cecil Clark's in Newport, KY? They have a huge selection of knives in a large store, very friendly, too.

http://www.clarkknives.com/

Not quite sure, but I don't remember www.BladeHQ.com requiring any certification.
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Yeah, it’s a great store but he didn’t have the launch listed on his website. He may have some autos in the store that aren’t on the web. FYI if you didn’t know, www.bladematrix.com is his as well.

One Stop Knife Shop in Louisville is run by the guy that own BladeForums. I haven’t been to his brick and mortar store so I may have to one day.
 
Elkins45 said:
Kentucky
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Switchblades are legal to own in Kentucky and legal to carry with the carry permit. You shouldn't have to sign any sort of affidavit to purchase locally. Such affidavits are thin cover for interstate sellers since the federal restrictions are still in place.

Go see Sparks at 1 Stop and tell him Crenshaw sent ya.
 
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Elkins45 said:
Yeah, it’s a great store but he didn’t have the launch listed on his website. He may have some autos in the store that aren’t on the web. FYI if you didn’t know, www.bladematrix.com is his as well.

One Stop Knife Shop in Louisville is run by the guy that own BladeForums. I haven’t been to his brick and mortar store so I may have to one day.
Click to expand...

I really need to go by Spark's shop in Louisville. I've "known" the guy for 15+ years online, go to Louisville at least 4 times a year to visit the in laws, and only live an hour an a half away. I have no excuse.
 
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