Description:
Due to the popularity of their California-legal automatic Launch 4, Kershaw scaled down the design of the Launch 2 to create this beaut, the Kershaw Launch 9. The blade features what they call a "working" finish, which means that is able to easily hide the scratches that a working knife will inevitably get. Made from CPM-154 and aluminum, this knife makes "Made in USA" look good!
The Kershaw Launch Series high-performance, USA-made automatics that punch way above their price point! Shop the whole selection!
Bought this as an EDC alternative to my ZT 456BW. I needed a small knife that I could carry when I was at work (Business professional attire) or at my kids' schools (2" or larger is illegal on campus in CA). Decided to try this little CA legal auto since it checked the right boxes. My only issue was that as sold, with the small clip, the knife is TINY. I liked the deep carry clip on it, and since ZT and Kershaw are related,I swapped clips. The ZT now sits deep in my pocket, and the Kershaw is a dream. The larger clip gives it the mass it needs to be "safe in hand" for opening and during use. Having addressed that minor issue, the knife is a solid 5 out of 5. I actually thought I lost it during a recent trip (thanks to a 0200 fire alarm at the hotel, and me grabbing the essentials and getting out), and accepted the fact that I would buy another that afternoon if it was lost.
I was happy with my Buck Lancer but wanted and EDC auto pocket knife with about a 2" blade. I need a knife to open the mail, clean my nails and do small tasks better suited for a larger knife. The Launch 9 arrived and out of the box I pushed the button and HELLO! It was like holding a .22 and pulling the trigger on a .45. Nice. Paper cuttin sharp, well made and the clip actually works. I put it to the test and cleaned my nails, opened the mail, deadheaded some flowers and cut up a box to a 55" TV. And it still cut paper. Oh and the blade is just plain sexy. The look of the Launch 9 is TAC and it proudly displays the American Flag on the handle. Hang on it has a kick. Recommended by this old Vet.
Kershaw has always made superior knives for their price point. This launch 9 was my 3rd purchase in the launch series and it is the best one for EDC. Small, light weight, easy to conceal, finish is awesome and withstands everyday wear and tear nicely. Great purchase, will suggest to friends.
I love this thing! It's almost as fidgety as an otf, and you won't want to put it down once you pick it up. Overall a great purchase that I'm glad I pulled the trigger on.
I own several of Kershaw's Launch line and find this knife to be on par with the quality of the others I own. Solid lockup, good snappy opening action and a useful blade design. Like the aesthetics of the blade, particularly the groove along the edge of the spine. A little more difficult for larger hands like mine to deploy but it's expected with a smaller knife like this. All in all a very nice light task auto.
love this knife, love autos. if my opinion means anything, buy. BUY NOW! BUY BEFORE THE COUNTRY COLLAPSES!!!!
I'm happy with all the launch autos so far but this little knife is always with me. The blade size is handy for all my daily cutting needs. It takes so little room I almost forgot I have it. Being a mechanic makes me appreciate the snappy action and tight lock up. Very well made and makes me proud knowing it's US made.
I have been wanting to try an auto and you can't go wrong with this one. Just an amazing knife overall and CPM154 steel tops it off. I can't tell you how much I love this knife.
Bought this knife to carry at work. So I wanted something small, not noticeable and easy to engage the blade. This blade ticked all the boxes for me. After receiving it I have no issues, it's a great little knife! I'm impressed enough with it I may look into getting a larger Kershaw Launch series knife for my everyday carry when I'm not working (I currently carry a Kershaw Leek).
I have been wanting sub 2" auto for some time now, and I'm glad I held off on getting the 4 before this one came in stock. In comparison to the Launch 4 I like the deep carry pocket clip and the lanyard hole on this model. As a previous reviewer mentioned, it's like holding a .22 and pulling the trigger on a .45. A very snappy action, and definitely a good thing! I've previously purchased a Launch 2 and I'm very pleased to have it's baby brother. I would recommend the Launch 9 to anyone looking for a sub 2" EDC auto.
I just got this one and I like this little knife. SNAPS open. I have other launch knives and like them a lot . I'm sure this one will live up to the rest.
Bought this for my wife to carry in her purse. Luckily we like in a state where automatic knives are legal. Snappy action. Solid lockup. Sharp out of the box. She loves it. I think I’ll put a Kershaw launch on my Christmas list. Great small knife. Happy wife. Happy life.
Compact. Solid action and lock-up. Quality CPM-154 blade and aluminum body. Nice deep pocket clip.
So this is the epitome of a small auto and from Kershaw! They have always made great blades and this is one of the best I have. Small yet functional. I had actually forgotten I had pre-ordered so it was like an early Christmas surprise!
This knife is just the right size for me to carry in my pocket. With excellent action . I love this little knife.
I had been looking into autos, but I wasn't quite ready to invest in some of the more expensive brands. I'm not the biggest fan of assisted knives, so I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something I really wouldn't like. This little Kershaw is a decent starting point, but I'm not quite sure it's worth the price. Maybe at the Black Friday/Cyber Monday price point that was after I bought this. This thing does indeed shoot out. I was ready for it after reading other reviews. I wouldn't just hand this to anyone without warning them, though. I probably wouldn't even let someone open it if they weren't familiar with assisted or auto knives. It will definitely fly out of their hands. That power in such a small package makes it fun to fidget with. However, the curvature of the bottom of the clip will dig into your finger if not positioned well enough. The good thing about the clip, though, is that is deep carry, and the knife really hides in your pocket. The stonewashed finish of the blade is nice, but my blade didn't come very sharp. It's probably the first Kershaw that I've bought that wasn't razor sharp out of the box. For me, a little knife like this is going to be mostly for letters and boxes, so a nice edge out of the box would be nice. I just bought a Work Sharp Ken Onion edition, so I'll take care of that issue. The ergos of the handle are pretty bad. There isn't much grip and it's just straight. A handle shaped more like a Leek would offer a little better handling. This is another reason to be careful when letting someone else handle it. Overall, it's a fun knife to play with. I don't think it's worth more than $50-60, though. The bigger models aren't much different in price, so if you live in a state that allows autos with blades over 2", I would go for one of those. That's what I should have done. If your state has restrictions, I'd probably consider a different model or brand.
Action is strong but for a small knife with little grip texture it wants to jump right out of your hand.
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