Overview of the Kershaw Launch 17 Automatic Knife | 7951
The Kershaw Launch 17 (7951) is a push-button automatic folding knife built around classic fighting knife lines and one of the most capable blade steels available today. Whether you carry every day for utility, keep one in your gear bag for field use, or collect American-made automatics, this knife is ready for serious work.
The blade is CPM MagnaCut, a powder-metallurgy steel engineered to deliver an exceptional balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance in a single alloy. The 3.5-inch clip point is coated in black Cerakote for added durability and a low-visibility finish.
The gray anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle features deeply textured black G10 inlays on both sides, along with integrated top-and-bottom finger guards for a controlled, confident hold. The low-profile push button resists accidental deployment, while the deep-carry clip keeps the knife secure and discreet in your pocket.
Proudly designed, prototyped, and manufactured in the USA, the Launch 17 carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty and is a natural choice for knife collectors, law enforcement professionals, and tactical enthusiasts.
Key Features
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Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut powder-metallurgy stainless steel, hardened to HRC 62-64, with outstanding edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance
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Blade Style: 3.5-inch clip point with a plain edge and a needle-sharp tip suited for precision cutting tasks
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Blade Coating: Black Cerakote finish provides additional hardness, scratch resistance, and a low-reflectivity appearance
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Blade Etch: "7951 KAI USA" and "MAGNACUT" stamped directly on the blade flat for model identification at a glance
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Opening System: Push-button automatic with fast, authoritative deployment; the same button press closes and locks the blade
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Lock Type: Push-button lock with solid lockup and no blade play
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Handle Material: Gray anodized 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with black textured G10 inlays on both sides for secure grip in any conditions
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Finger Guards: Integrated upper and lower guards on the handle keep your fingers safely away from the blade during use
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Pocket Clip: Black Cerakote-coated deep-carry clip, reversible for right- or left-hand tip-up carry; screwed in place with black-oxide hardware
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Hardware: Black-oxide handle screws and fasteners throughout
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Jimping: Serrated spine jimping at the top of the blade for thumb purchase and control
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Carry Profile: Closed length of 4.95 inches keeps this knife slim and discreet in a pocket
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Weight: 3.1 oz. (88 g), light enough for all-day carry
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Country of Origin: USA: Design, Prototype, Quality Control, and Manufacture
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Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty from Kershaw
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Engravability: Eligible for engraving through Kershaw's engraving program
Specifications
Specifications Table
| Specification |
Detail |
| Brand |
Kershaw |
|
Model / MPN
|
7951 |
| UPC |
087171066561 |
| Blade Length |
3.5 in. (8.9 cm) |
| Blade Style |
Clip Point |
| Blade Edge |
Plain |
| Blade Steel |
CPM MagnaCut |
| Blade Hardness |
HRC 62-64 |
| Blade Finish |
Black Cerakote |
| Blade Thickness |
0.12 in. (3 mm) |
| Overall Length |
8.45 in. (21.5 cm) |
| Closed Length |
4.95 in. (12.6 cm) |
| Handle Material |
6061-T6 Aluminum with Black G10 Inlays |
| Handle Color |
Gray Anodized |
| Handle Thickness |
0.5 in. (12.7 mm) |
| Hardware |
Black-oxide handle screws; black Cerakote pocket clip |
| Weight |
3.1 oz. (88 g) |
| Opening Action |
Automatic (Push Button) |
| Lock Type |
Push-Button Lock |
| Style |
Pocketknife / Folding Knife |
| Pocket Clip |
Reversible Deep-Carry (Right/Left, Tip-Up) |
| Designer |
Kershaw Originals |
| Year Released |
2023 |
| Country of Origin |
USA (Design, Prototype, QC, and Manufacture) |
| Warranty |
Limited Lifetime Warranty |
Compatibility
The Kershaw Launch 17 (7951) is a standalone folding knife and does not require additional platforms, mounts, or adapters. A few things worth knowing before you buy:
Pocket Clip Configuration: The reversible deep-carry clip accommodates right- or left-handed tip-up carry and is easy to swap without special tools. It is not configured for tip-down carry.
Legal Compatibility: Automatic knives are subject to state and local laws that vary widely across the United States. You are responsible for confirming that ownership, carry, and transport of an automatic knife is legal in your jurisdiction before purchasing. Per federal law, automatic knives cannot be shipped via USPS; all automatic knife orders from wcuniforms.com ship via UPS Ground.
Blade Steel Note: Older production runs of the 7951 used CPM S35VN blade steel. Current production models, including units sold at WCUniforms, are built with CPM MagnaCut.
Engravability: The Launch 17 is eligible for engraving through Kershaw's official engraving service, making it a strong candidate for gifts, awards, or personalized carry knives.
Intended Users
The Kershaw Launch 17 is built for anyone who demands a fast, reliable cutting tool that holds up under real-world use.
Law enforcement and security professionals often carry a quality folding knife as a backup utility tool for cutting seatbelts, rope, packaging, or cord at a moment's notice. The fast push-button deployment and deep-carry clip make the Launch 17 easy to access without drawing attention.
Everyday carry enthusiasts and knife collectors are drawn to the Launch 17 for its fighting knife heritage, premium CPM MagnaCut steel, and clean USA-made craftsmanship. With HRC 62-64 hardness and exceptional corrosion resistance, it holds an edge longer than most production knives in this class.
Tactical users, military personnel, and armed professionals value the clip point blade geometry for both general cutting and precision work, combined with the safety advantages of a push-button lock that won't accidentally open in a pocket or bag.
Survivalists and preppers appreciate the all-weather reliability of MagnaCut steel, the aluminum-and-G10 handle construction, and the Limited Lifetime Warranty that backs every Launch 17 produced.
What's Included
- 1x Kershaw Launch 17 Automatic Folding Knife (7951) with blade in closed position
- 1x Factory-installed reversible deep-carry pocket clip
No sheath or storage case is included. No additional accessories are required for standard carry and use.
Available at WCUniforms
WCUniforms is a veteran and former law enforcement-owned specialty retailer serving public safety professionals, tactical users, and civilian enthusiasts across the United States. We carry a curated selection of American-made knives and tactical tools, backed by same-day shipping on qualifying orders and a commitment to getting your gear to you fast.
Unlike generic sporting goods retailers, WCUniforms specializes in the kind of equipment that law enforcement officers, security professionals, and serious EDC users actually rely on. Shop the Kershaw Launch 17 and the full Kershaw lineup with confidence at wcuniforms.com.
