When I saw the latest release from Kershaw’s Launch series, the first thought that came to mind was, do I really need another automatic knife? The next thought was that need is such a strong word. Suffice it to say, the Launch 17 came to live with me shortly thereafter.
Launch 17 Specs
Let’s get the numbers out of the way. The Launch 17 is 4.95 inches long closed, with a 3.5-inch MagnaCut blade. Open, you’re looking at 8.45 inches total. Owing to the aluminum body, the weight is a sparse 3.1 ounces.
The clip point blade is a slicey 0.12-inch thick at the spine. There’s a bit of jimping that provides traction without being obnoxious about it. The Launch 17 features a reversible pocket clip, so you can swap between right- and left-handed carry.
The handle is coffin-shaped and has G10 inlays. The model shown here is all black, but it also comes with a gray body and black inlays. The handle is only about a half-inch thick, so overall, this is a fairly slim knife.
Launch 17 Performance
I’ll readily admit that I’m a big fan of the Launch series from Kershaw. I own several of them and there isn’t a dud in the bunch. So, I wasn’t all that surprised to find the Launch 17 is an incredible blend of ergonomics and performance.
Pressing the release button fires the blade into position with authority. That’s not an exaggeration, either. You need to keep a firm grip on the handle, or you might fumble it as the blade slams into place. Once the blade is fully extended, it is locked. There is absolutely no wiggle in the blade, side to side or front to back. The release is the same button, though you need to fold the blade closed manually.
Owing to how an automatic knife can be a world-class fidget toy, I’ve probably opened and closed it several hundred times by now. It hasn’t failed once.
The blade arrived shaving sharp, with a needle-sharp point. There was no need to touch up the edge before putting the knife to use. I’ve used it to process and flatten numerous boxes, slice up apples and peppers, and cut lengths of paracord. There has been no discernable deterioration of the blade’s sharpness as of yet. This isn’t a shock, given that this is MagnaCut, which has developed a reputation for edge retention.
Launch 17 Drawback
On the list of pros and cons, there is but one checkmark in the con column. It’s minor in the grand scheme of things, but it needs to be noted. The activation button is just ever so slightly raised from the knife handle. You can barely feel it as you run your finger along the knife. This isn’t entirely a bad thing, as the design serves as a safety feature. There’s very little risk of the knife opening by accident.
However, the downside is that it can be very difficult to open the knife if you’re wearing almost any sort of gloves. You’ll need to really mash your thumb down to fire the release mechanism. It isn’t the end of the world, but it’s something to consider if you routinely wear gloves.
Launch 17 – Go or No Go?
For me, the Launch 17 is a definite Go. It’s fairly lightweight and slim, so it’s easy to use for an EDC. It fires open fast and locks solidly into place. I have zero concerns about relying on the Launch 17 for virtually any sort of blade business.
You can find it in the gray/black configuration at the Kershaw website. It’s currently retailing for $199.99. However, if you want the blackout version seen in this review, you’ll need to check DLT Trading.
