Advice Wanted on Unsatisfactory Kershaw Launches

jaredrg

jaredrg

Joined
May 20, 2015
Messages
162
I just received replacements for 2 Kershaw Launch 3's that I returned for having several issues. The replacements also have the same problems. I really like everything about this model if I can only get 2 that have no blade play, push buttons that are recessed to be level with the flat of the handle (as advertised), push buttons that aren't gritty, and blades that lock open every time. Should I just give up on this knife after getting 4 that have problems? I purchased these on one of the larger online knife stores. I'm leaving any names out until this is resolved one way or the other. I've emailed Kershaw but have not heard back yet. I emailed the online store and was told that the knives were inspected before they were shipped, but I'm having trouble believing that. Any advice would be nice. Thank you abd Merry Christmas.
 
Remember, this is Christmas weekend, and will not likely hear back until Monday or Tuesday (since Monday is the Christmas Observation for some companies).

I would get back in touch with the company and ask for a senior staff member to call you directly, or his/her direct email address. Especially due to you having gone through a Multitude of knives from them with each being an unacceptable specimen with the same issues for each of them.
State that you feel like you can't take the word of the lower associates as trustworthy and would love to still give them your business, hence wanting to speak to a senior staff member. On top of that, tell them that you have been in contact with the manufacturer and have included the vendor name and the models you have purchased, along with serial numbers for reference.

If the vendor is an honest one, they will want to make it right and avoid any further headache.

That being said, this is one of the main reasons why we have an approved/supporting vendor list and I choose to go through (most) of them for my knives.
 
Somtimes this happens with knives that go back. And its not just a kai thing. Many production companies get their fair share of miscommunications and errors. I personally have had a couple times of sending a knife in more than once but Looking back I feel I may have been a bit picky. I had a launch and it had no wiggle in any direction. I did have to adjust the pivot to my liking but it was easy enough and with a bit of loctite, it stayed dialed in. I know it sucks when you are out that time with a product you hoped to be using. My age is starting to show because these days i try to say, everyone is human and things slip past the best of us. Most report good things with kai. Are you i contact with anyone specific?
 
Not anyone specific, just 2 different customer service people that responded to my messages.
 
It's really too bad. I like the Launch 2 but every one I handled was flawed. Had to send the one I received last Xmas back.
 
Jared. This has been brought up many times since the Launch first debuted.
My experience with them is a loooooong story, so I'll give you the short one......return them and order a Pro Tech TR-3.
The Launch is a flawed design and I don't care if you get 20 of them.......you'll still hate it.
I found the problem you're having, blade not locking up consistently, is due to the spring not being engaged for the entire length of travel. There is only tension on the blade for half of the travel. When the blade hits the stop pin, if you don't take your finger off the button at the EXACT second.....the blade will not lock up.
I have about 20 other autos......Microtech, Pro Tech and Benchmade. Every one of them has tension on the blade for the entire length of travel.
Found the ONLY way I could get mine, 1 & 3, to lock up most of the time was to hold the knife with the spine facing the sky. Try it.
My new 1 & 3 both broke their springs in the first month.
Really nice looking knives for a great price........but they aren't very good.
There are a couple YT vids showing them not locking up.
If you are looking for a bad ass auto.......check out Pro Tech brother.
Amazing knives!!
If you have any other questions, e mail or PM me.
Joe
 
yep id give up. the launches have well known and common issues. the odds of getting ones without them are slim and even so it may develop problems like my 5 did after close to a year give or take. i only have 1 out of 3 of them that hasnt developed lock bounce yet. i expect it will......

too bad cause i love the designs and made in america but reliability has been poor in my personal experience and i read more and more every day.
 
I agree with Joe, just send them back and spend a bit more to get a Protech.

I had a Launch 2 and couldn't keep the thing dialed in to save my life. No issues with lock failure but it either had play or wouldn't fire all the way. The only model I've heard consistent good reviews on is the Launch 4.

I carried and used the hell out of a Protech CQC7 for years though. Tore it down multiple times. Even refinished the blade twice. Cerakote once and stonewash second.

It always fired like a rocket, locked up tight and did so in a nice, refined manner. No play, no grit, no sticking. Perfect. Every other Protech I've owned or handled has been the same way.
 
I agree with the TR3 recommendations. Pro Tech's speciality is autos. Kershaw dabbles with them from time to time.
For the record I have a Launch 1 and it works fine for me but it seems I'm one of the lucky ones.
 
I'm with Joe on this one too. I just picked up a Protech Sprint as a Christmas gift for my fiance and the quality is great.
 
Just looked over the BF vendor list and this store is on it. Man this stinks. Wanted the knives to be sound and write a great review. I'll wait until at least Monday to pursue any other communications. Would still appreciate any comments. Merry Christmas y'all.
 
Hopefully you can return them Jared. If you can......do it and grab one of these! It is extremely rare you'll hear anything negative about a Pro Tech!! Great customer service also!
Joe

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palonej said:
Jared. This has been brought up many times since the Launch first debuted.
My experience with them is a loooooong story, so I'll give you the short one......return them and order a Pro Tech TR-3.
The Launch is a flawed design and I don't care if you get 20 of them.......you'll still hate it.
I found the problem you're having, blade not locking up consistently, is due to the spring not being engaged for the entire length of travel. There is only tension on the blade for half of the travel. When the blade hits the stop pin, if you don't take your finger off the button at the EXACT second.....the blade will not lock up.
I have about 20 other autos......Microtech, Pro Tech and Benchmade. Every one of them has tension on the blade for the entire length of travel.
Found the ONLY way I could get mine, 1 & 3, to lock up most of the time was to hold the knife with the spine facing the sky. Try it.
My new 1 & 3 both broke their springs in the first month.
Really nice looking knives for a great price........but they aren't very good.
There are a couple YT vids showing them not locking up.
If you are looking for a bad ass auto.......check out Pro Tech brother.
Amazing knives!!
If you have any other questions, e mail or PM me.
Joe
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Dead on as always Joe! Soooooo glad i skipped the Kershaws and went straight to Protech. Happy with 4 out of 4 i have, with each coming in perfect condition and tolerances. You can tell they check every knife that leaves the factory.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
 
Yo Mama said:
Dead on as always Joe! Soooooo glad i skipped the Kershaws and went straight to Protech. Happy with 4 out of 4 i have, with each coming in perfect condition and tolerances. You can tell they check every knife that leaves the factory.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

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How are their manuals?
I have had an eye on a tr3 version for a bit now.

What would you say it was comparable to?
I have been thinking a Ti framed spyderco native but with ergos that might agree with me more. The native just doesn't seem to click with my hand due to the choil shapes and lengths...
 
I have one of the small Kershaw Launch 4 with a just under 2" blade and thus a legal auto in California. It was from the early batch with black blade and black handle. It's a great little auto with no issues at all. It compares very favorably with my ProTech Runt and Sprint CA-Legal autos at higher prices.
 
Here's my TR-3 Ti manual. I'm the third owner and it is as good as new!! Excellent action with perfect and early lock up and one of my favorite blade shapes!!
I sent it in to Pro Tech for a blade swap......dropped it and put a nasty chip in it. $40 got me a coated blade with a make over. Had it back in under 2 weeks and got back an almost brand new knife!
I love it!! Had it anodized also.
Joe
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Though it's not that much more the ProTech is a bit outside my price range. Whatever I go with I'll get 2, one for my dad. If I send these back I may go with the s30v blur.
 
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