Knife Review: Kershaw Grey Launch 8 Automatic Knife

The Kershaw Grey Launch 8 Automatic Knife [BladeOps’ Exclusive]

Kershaw and their fans know that there is nothing that compares to a Kershaw. They have the award-winning technologies, they have the advanced materials, they have the solid sound of the blade lockup. All of this means that when you are carrying a Kershaw, you know that you are carrying the real deal.

So, what does the real deal mean? Well, Kershaw says, “The real thing means value and plenty of it. With Kershaw, you get incredible bang for your hard-earned buck. Even our inexpensive models are impressive. In fact, everything about a Kershaw is solid, crafted, reliable. That’s why we can back each of our knives for the life of its original owner against any defects in materials and construction with our famous Limited Lifetime Warranty.

“And yes, people do own their Kershaw knives for a lifetime. (Although, occasionally, a Kershaw has been known to get accidentally left at a campsite, lost in the garage, or permanently borrowed by a friend.)

“The point is, you can always look to Kershaw for everyday carrying knives that can tame any cardboard box and liberate any purchase from its plastic packaging, sporting knives that make hunting, fishing, watersports, and camping even better, work knives that won’t let you down, and tactical knives that ensure you’re ready for anything.”

They were founded in 1974 with the mission to design and manufacture tools that knife users were going to be proud to own, carry, and use. This means that each and every one of their knives need to be made with the highest quality. From hunting knives to collectors’ knives, Kershaw makes sure that they choose the high-quality materials and pair it with intensive craftsmanship to get a top-quality knife.

Not only that, but they have a commitment to innovation. They say, “Our SpeedSafe assisted opening knives were first-to-market. We introduced the concept of knives with interchangeable blades in our Blade Traders. Recently, our Composite Blade technology, which combines two steels into one blade, gives knife users the best of both worlds by enabling us to use steel known for edge retention on the edge and steel known for strength on the spine. And we will keep on innovating, bringing new and better technologies and materials to today's knifemaking industry and knife-using public.”

Today we will be talking about one of BladeOps’ newest arrivals, which also happens to be a BladeOps’ Exclusive knife. It is the Kershaw Grey Launch 8 automatic knife with a carbon fiber handle and a black blade.

The Blade:

The blade on this version of the Launch 8 is made out of CPM-154 stainless steel. This is a high end steel, but it is not a premium or super steel. While it is quality, it is not going to compare to other Crucible steels such as S30V or S35VN.

154 steel is commonly compared to 440C, except that it is the better steel between the two. Crucible managed this because they added in Molybdenum, which works to have longer edge holding capabilities, but without taking away from the corrosion resistance of the steel. This steel has a good enough toughness for your everyday uses. Plus, with the right equipment, the 154 steel won’t be too hard to manage sharpening.

This is a CPM 154 steel, which does mean that it has undergone Crucible’s Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. This process really just enhances all of the good qualities that the steel already had.

The blade has been finished with a black DLC coating. This stands for Diamond-Like Carbon coating. It got this name because of how hard and wear resistant the coating makes the blade.

Kershaw says, “The DLC coating is applied in a process called Physical Vapor Disposition (PVD). In PVD, solid metals are vaporized in a vacuum at high temperatures. A reactive gas is introduced, forming a compound with the metal vapor. This enables the metal to be deposited on the knife parts in a microns-thin layer. The coating adds beauty, is environmentally friendly, and offers excellent wear and corrosion resistance.”

This means that the coating is not going to scratch or peel off like many of the other styles of coatings. This is because of the PVD process, which is more of a chemical change than any other. Also, the coating is applied so perfectly that you can expect a much-reduced level of friction. This means that cuts are going to be smother and easier. And, we can’t forget the DLC coating does create an even, matte black coating that looks fantastic as well as the rest of the benefits.

The blade has been carved into a throwback Italian Stiletto style blade, on this knife, it is most reminiscent of the spearpoint blade shape of today. The spear point is known to be a fantastic hybrid shape.

The spine and the belly of the knife follow the same curves, which does create more of a dagger style blade. The blade has a spine that extends straight off the handle to about 2/3^rd of the way up the blade. At this point, it curves down toward the point. On the belly, you get the same curve. This does produce a lowered point, which is going to give you better control. It also creates a medium-sized belly, which is going to allow you to better slice with it. The point is right in the middle of being broad and fine, which means that you will be able to pierce with this and you will be able to rely on the strength. That is why it is considered a hybrid blade: it gives you a little bit of every advantage. This does mean that it is not going to excel at any of those things, but you stand a fighting chance in more than just one scenario.

The blade has been sharpened into a plain edge. This means that you will have cleaner cuts from it, because there are no teeth to rough up the surface of whatever you are cutting with. The plain edge is also going to enhance your cuts when you are performing fine detail work. The plain edge is going to be easier to sharpen as well as easier to get a razor sharp edge on.

The Handle:

The handle on this exclusive knife has been made out of 6061-T6 aluminum with a carbon fiber inlay for added texture and grip. Aluminum is one of the more common handle materials that you are going to come across. This is because it is lightweight, which does keep this long knife’s weight down, it is durable, and it has enough heft that you feel you can trust it when you use it.

6061-T6 aluminum is the most commonly used aluminum alloy. This is because this alloy of an already strong material offers the highest tensile yield of any aluminum alloys. This means that it is going to be stronger, more durable, and tougher than a regular aluminum handle.

Some of the drawbacks to an aluminum handle is that it is more prone to getting scratched than many other materials. It is also going to feel cold to hold, which can be a disadvantage in colder environments or colder seasons.

The aluminum has been anodized a dark grey, or light black color. The anodization process does a lot more than simply add in the sleek color. It also makes the handle harder, stronger, more durable, and even more corrosion resistant. Essentially, the anodization process increases all of the good qualities of aluminum while also combatting some of the more negative qualities that it has. For example, the anodization process does reduce the amount of scratches that the aluminum will accumulate, because it does make the surface of the handle harder.

The anodization process is a chemical process that actually changes the physical make-up of the surface of the handle. This means that the good color is not going peel off like a coating would. It also means that it is going to have highly increased wear and corrosion resistance.

Aluminum is not known for providing a lot of texture to a handle. To combat this, Kershaw and BladeOps have created a carbon fiber inlay. Carbon fiber is created when thin strands of carbon have been tightly woven together rand then set in resin. This material is known to be crazy strong, but also super lightweight. With a slightly larger knife than typical, the lack of weight can be important. However, due to the creation process, the material does become rather expensive.

The carbon fiber on this exclusive knife is black and has a fish-net weave to it. This means that some portions are going to look brighter than others, due to how the light is going to reflect on it.

The handle is just as dramatic as the blade. It bulges slightly in the middle but is mostly narrow. The butt of the handle also flares out, only because right before it does taper in. There are two finger guards near the top of the knife. There is no lanyard hole on this knife.

The Pocket Clip:

The pocket clip is designed for tip up carry only, but it is reversible in terms of which side you choose to carry this on. The clip is not a deep carry, but it is longer than a standard pocket clip. This means that it is going to stay securely in your pocket as you move about your day. You won’t have to be too worried or focused on it, because it is secure.

The clip is black, with two black screws keeping it in place. The rest of the hardware on the knife is also black. Going down the length of the clip, “Kershaw” has been stamped in white.

The Mechanism:

This knife has been equipped with a push-button lock. Kershaw describes this style of lock by saying, “Like Kershaw’s other locking systems, once the blade is open, a mechanism blocks the butt end of the blade and prevents it from closing accidentally. In this case, a spring-loaded lock is built into one side of the handle that must be depressed in order to unlock the blade.” This means that the push button lock is going to be reliable and easy to use. When the knife is in use, you will not have to worry about it closing on your hand. The push button lock is simple and best of all, it is fool proof to use. Just push the button and the blade will swing into open position, ready for use.

The Specs:

The blade on this knife measures in at 3.5 inches long with a handle that measures in at 4.75 inches long. This means that when the blade is deployed, the overall knife is going to measure in at 8.25 inches long, which is a standard length for an EDC knife.

However, this knife only weighs in at 2.4 ounces, which is super lightweight for such a large knife. This is due to the aluminum and carbon fiber handle. This does man that you will never feel weighed down by this knife. But it may also mean that you won’t have as much heft as you normally would desire.

This Kershaw was proudly made in the United States of America.

Conclusion:

This exclusive automatic knife features a grey anodized aluminum handle with carbon fiber inlay, a spear point style blade in a DLC black finish and the pocket clip is designed for tip up carry only.

Each Launch 8 features a premium stainless-steel blade with solid marks on its edge holding capability while the throwback Italian stiletto style pays homage to a classic motif. Double down with a carbon fiber inlay and this knife is for sure next level.

This exclusive knife is going to go quick, and it is the perfect gift for your knife loving friend. With the holidays coming up, this is the perfect idea. Order yours now by clicking here.