Launch 13

I just got my hands on Kershaw’s Launch 13.  It’s a very icey knife.  But then, I’ve always liked Kershaw knives.

Kershaw Launch 13

Pete Kershaw started the company in 1979 when he left Gerber Blades.  At the time, Ichiro Hattori made most of Kershaw’s knives in Japan.  Constantly evolving, Kershaw has introduced many innovative knives designed by people like Ken Onion, Ernest Emerson, Frank Centofante, and Rick Hinderer, to name a few.

The internet claims Kershaw makes over a million knives a year.  Impressive.

Pete retired from Kershaw on June 1, 1998, and by that time, Kershaw was connected with KAI and is now wholly owned by the KAI Group. 

I really like the blade and dark green handle.  CMP 154 is a nice knife steel.

The Launch series was introduced in the 2015 catalog with the Launch 1, 2, and 3 knives.  It was a bold move.  It was at a time when many states still had restrictions on automatic knives.  More of these interesting automatic knives were released over the years, constantly exciting knife fanciers.  In 2019, the Launch 13 Auto was released.

Here are some Launch 13 stats:

The blade is made from CPM 154 powdered metal and hardened to HRc of 58-60.  This is hard enough to retain an edge and not be brittle. The blade is a little over 0.1 inches thick and has a tapered false edge, giving the blade a jazzy look.

If a knife doesn't feel good in your hand, it's the wrong knife for you.  This one feels great!

Crucible 154CM is a martensitic stainless steel similar to type 440C but fortified with molybdenum.  Like many knife steels, it was initially developed for challenging industrial applications.  Those properties made it a desirable material for knife makers.  

The blade is a high saber grind Wharncliffe mounted in a strikingly attractive sculpted aluminum handle.  The low-profile button helps prevent accidental opening, and the deep carry pocket clip is reversible. 

The knife arrived set up for right-hand and tip-up carry, which is perfect, as I carry folding blades against the back edge of my pant's right pocket.

The knife weighs in at 2.4 oz.  Surprisingly, the balance point puts the weight chiefly on the handle.  I like this as it makes the blade feel lively.

The clip can be reversed for left or right pocket carry

This one is a special edition in a dark olive green that I find attractive.  The Launch 13 has been out for a while, but this is the first dark green one I’ve seen.