Overview of the Kershaw Launch 11 Automatic Knife | 7550
A Purpose-Built Automatic for Daily Carry
When your carry knife needs to open instantly and stay out of the way until it does, the Kershaw Launch 11 delivers. This American-made automatic folder combines a 2.75-inch CPM 154 steel blade with a milled-out 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle that is genuinely light in hand at just 2.1 oz.
Model 7550 stands apart from the rest of the Launch series with a straight, clean profile and a few purposeful upgrades:
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Bronze-anodized titanium pivot trim ring adds a refined touch
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Handle cutout reduces weight without sacrificing strength
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Integrated backspacer keeps the build tight and rigid
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Low-profile push-button lowers the chance of an unintended deployment
The BlackWash finish on the blade gives it a battle-worn look while concealing everyday wear. For law enforcement officers, security professionals, and serious EDC enthusiasts, the Launch 11 is a no-compromise carry tool built to perform shift after shift.
Key Features
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Blade Material: CPM 154 powdered metallurgy stainless steel, offering outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness
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Blade Style: Drop point with a plain edge and flat grind
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Blade Finish: Black-oxide BlackWash finish resists wear and hides surface scratches
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Blade Length: 2.75 in. (7 cm); Blade Thickness: 0.12 in. (3.1 mm)
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Opening System: Automatic out-the-side (OTS) deployment via a low-profile push button
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Lock Type: Push-button lock for secure, reliable lock-up when open
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Handle Material: 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized for a hard, corrosion-resistant surface
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Handle Design: See-through milled cutout and integrated backspacer reduce weight and add visual interest
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Pivot Hardware: Bronze-anodized titanium pivot trim ring adds a distinctive detail and smooth action
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Additional Hardware: Black-oxide steel pivot nut and screws; black Teflon-finish steel pocket clip
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Pocket Clip: Reversible tip-up configuration for right- or left-hand carry
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Weight: 2.1 oz. (60 g), making it one of the lightest automatics in its class
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Engravable: Suitable for custom engraving, making it a strong gift or duty award option
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Country of Origin: Designed, prototyped, quality-controlled, and manufactured in the USA
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Warranty: Kershaw Limited Lifetime Warranty
Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Brand |
Kershaw |
| Model / MPN |
Launch 11 / 7550 |
| UPC |
087171058771 |
| Blade Length |
2.75 in. (7 cm) |
| Blade Thickness |
0.12 in. (3.1 mm) |
| Blade Width |
0.75 in. |
| Overall Length |
6.75 in. (17.1 cm) |
| Closed Length |
3.8 in. (9.7 cm) |
| Handle Thickness |
0.46 in. (11.8 mm) |
| Weight |
2.1 oz. (60 g) |
| Blade Material |
CPM 154 stainless steel |
| Blade Hardness |
HRC 58-60 |
| Blade Finish |
Black-oxide BlackWash |
| Blade Style |
Drop point, plain edge, flat grind |
| Handle Material |
6061-T6 aluminum |
| Handle Finish |
Black anodized |
| Handle Color |
Black |
| Pivot Hardware |
Bronze-anodized titanium pivot trim ring; black-oxide steel pivot nut |
| Pocket Clip |
Reversible, tip-up (right/left), black Teflon-finish steel |
| Opening System |
Automatic (push-button, out-the-side) |
| Lock Type |
Push-button lock |
| Country of Origin |
USA (Design, Prototype, QC, Manufacture) |
| Year Released |
2020 |
| Warranty |
Kershaw Limited Lifetime Warranty |
Compatibility
The Kershaw Launch 11 (7550) is a standalone folding knife and does not require additional platforms, adapters, or mounting hardware. However, a few compatibility details are worth knowing before you carry:
Carry Configuration
- The reversible pocket clip supports both right- and left-hand tip-up carry, so the knife works equally well regardless of your dominant hand.
- The slim closed length of 3.8 in. makes it compatible with most standard pants and uniform pockets without printing or snagging.
Legal Compatibility
- The Launch 11 is an automatic (switchblade) knife. Laws governing purchase, ownership, carry, and transport of automatic knives vary by state, county, and municipality.
- You are responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations before purchasing, carrying, or transporting this knife.
- Federal law permits certain qualified individuals, including members of the armed forces acting in the performance of duty and individuals with the use of only one arm (for blades 3 inches or under), to possess and transport switchblade knives under specific conditions.
Sharpening Compatibility
- The CPM 154 blade responds well to most standard flat-grind sharpening systems, including whetstones, guided-rod systems, and belt sharpeners.
Intended Users
The Kershaw Launch 11 is designed for anyone who demands fast, reliable one-hand access to a quality blade without the bulk of a full-size folder.
Law enforcement officers find the Launch 11 useful as a utility backup on duty, where a lightweight, compact automatic can be deployed quickly when both hands are occupied or gloved. The low-profile push button and push-button lock reduce the chance of accidental deployment in a holster or on a duty belt.
Security professionals and armed guards benefit from the knife's discreet profile. Its understated all-black appearance blends into a uniform without drawing attention, while the auto-deploy action keeps response time minimal.
Everyday carry enthusiasts and knife collectors appreciate the combination of American-made craftsmanship, CPM 154 steel, and the premium bronze titanium pivot detail. At 2.1 oz., it carries all day without fatigue.
Outdoor workers, tradespeople, and survivalists will find the plain-edge drop point blade ideal for utility tasks, from cutting cordage and opening packages to detailed cutting work in the field. The sealed, tight-tolerance construction holds up to real-world use.
The 7550 is also a popular choice for gifts and duty awards, as it is engravable and ships new in box with the Kershaw Limited Lifetime Warranty attached.
What's Included
- 1x Kershaw Launch 11 Automatic Folding Knife (Model 7550)
- 1x Reversible pocket clip (pre-installed)
Note: No sheath, sharpener, or case is included. The pocket clip is the sole carry solution provided. A lanyard hole is not present on this model.
Available at WCUniforms
WCUniforms is a veteran and law enforcement-owned specialty retailer serving public safety professionals, armed civilians, and serious EDC users across the United States. The Kershaw Launch 11 (7550) is stocked because our customers, from patrol officers to security teams and everyday carriers, need tools they can count on.
Shop the Kershaw Launch 11 at wcuniforms.com with confidence. Unlike mass-market retailers that treat knives as an afterthought, WCUniforms focuses on gear built for professionals, backed by real customer service and same-day shipping on qualifying orders.
Important: Automatic knives are subject to federal, state, and local laws. It is your responsibility to confirm that purchase and possession are lawful in your jurisdiction before ordering.