Kershaw launch

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Skar

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I'm looking to try a auto knife for fun.
I like the looks of the launch 6 and 154 steel.
I also like more than 3.2 inch blade.

Any thoughts ?
Fairly good for the price ?
 
I plan on trying a few of the launch series. Very good prices. The 6 definitely looks good. :thumbsup: haven't heard much on them though. What color you looking at? I'm probably going to get the 5 first. The Emerson with blue handle.
 
TX180SX said:
I plan on trying a few of the launch series. Very good prices. The 6 definitely looks good. :thumbsup: haven't heard much on them though. What color you looking at? I'm probably going to get the 5 first. The Emerson with blue handle.
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I am drawn to the 6 with the blue handle.
They had good reviews on bhq.
 
Make sure you can check the action, or have someone check the action on the one you buy, first. The launch series has had a problem in the past with the blade bouncing off the stop pin when fired, and not locking up. Do a search and you will see what I'm talking about.
 
I like 'em. Never had the bounce-back problem. They have a " kick" to them....gotta hold tight or they might not lock. Just looked, I have eight. Must like them more than I thought! :D
 
I have 4. Very good budget auto. Some of them may bounce due to the user holding down the release as opposed to pressing it only slightly and moving your finger off of it. If you are able to tear it down it becomes very evident that holding down the button too long may cause engagement problems. I don't recommend tear down. Lots of spring tension that I had to make tools for to reassemble. In other words, it's a bitch.
 
3wmZ2sD.jpg


I love it.
 
elde66 said:
I like 'em. Never had the bounce-back problem. They have a " kick" to them....gotta hold tight or they might not lock. Just looked, I have eight. Must like them more than I thought! :D
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How do the feel in hand ??
Are they textured decent enough that they are not ... easy to lose grip ?
 
I have the launch 6 and 7, 2 of each. Although I had given up on aluminum handles long past the price of these knives eliminated my dislike of the aluminum handles. The grip is secure, even better if you are working with food processing with glove that will give you more purchase on the knife. They're fast with a good wack. If you grip it hard you will not lose it.
 
I agree in that I normally don't care for metal handles--except autos.

I've had my 8 for nearly a year and not once has it "bounced" or failed to lock.

If they ever come out with a model with a wharncliffe blade I'll buy it.
 
elde66 said:
I like 'em. Never had the bounce-back problem. They have a " kick" to them....gotta hold tight or they might not lock. Just looked, I have eight. Must like them more than I thought! :D
Click to expand...
Can you explain the bold a bit more?

SOLEIL said:
I have 4. Very good budget auto. Some of them may bounce due to the user holding down the release as opposed to pressing it only slightly and moving your finger off of it. If you are able to tear it down it becomes very evident that holding down the button too long may cause engagement problems. I don't recommend tear down. Lots of spring tension that I had to make tools for to reassemble. In other words, it's a bitch.
Click to expand...
Interesting. Can you explain more about what would cause the bounce back from holding the button? I've tried not holding the button after pushing it on my pro-techs and I found it nearly impossible to let off by the time the blade reaches the stop pin.

K.O.D. said:
3wmZ2sD.jpg


I love it.
Click to expand...
I am seriously considering this model. There is a fantastic price on the teal version. I don't think he is a paying dealer any more so I won't mention him.
 
craytab said:
Can you explain the bold a bit more?


Interesting. Can you explain more about what would cause the bounce back from holding the button? I've tried not holding the button after pushing it on my pro-techs and I found it nearly impossible to let off by the time the blade reaches the stop pin.


I am seriously considering this model. There is a fantastic price on the teal version. I don't think he is a paying dealer any more so I won't mention him.
Click to expand...

Go for it!
 
craytab said:
Can you explain the bold a bit more?


Interesting. Can you explain more about what would cause the bounce back from holding the button? I've tried not holding the button after pushing it on my pro-techs and I found it nearly impossible to let off by the time the blade reaches the stop pin.


I am seriously considering this model. There is a fantastic price on the teal version. I don't think he is a paying dealer any more so I won't mention him.
Click to expand...

I may be wrong, but a good analogy might be compared to limp wristing a 1911 when fired. It often causes a FTE or FTF correctly. A good firm hold is all that’s needed.

Trying to time the button release sounds okay, but in reality is not plausible or realistic for EDC. Your Protech’s are prime examples, easily some of the fastest out there with great timing springs.

I believe it has to do with spring torsion, and the ending of the torque range in relation to the stop pin. Some autos are really weak, you can test by pushing the release button and just start to close the blade. Close the blade a quarter inch and let go, does it fly back open and lock up, or does it fail to open and lock up. That all depends on the spring torque timing. This is just my opinion of course.

The launch 8 is a great knife, that’s my dedicated letter & box opener + label remover. A rougher grit sharpening seems to work much better than a fine grit does on mine. That Teal color is very cool looking by the way.

Carried a Launch 5 for a year and a half and used it a lot. It held up great, only issue was the clip would cut and fray every pair of pants I wore it with. I retired my 5 & now carry the Socom, but for summer it may be the Siren as I really like that one too.

Just my personal take on things, everyone has their own experience with things
 
My Boker Kalashnikov 74 has enough spring tension to keep the blade open if you keep holding the button in after you deploy it. My Kershaw Launch 1 does not have enough tension on the spring to do that. But it has enough tension on the pivot to keep the blade open all the way even if you keep pressing the button after deployment. I guess either way will work.
 
They might have changed the springs in later production Launch 1's , I just got one a few weeks ago and there is spring tension on the blade all the way to the locked position.
Same with the other two I have.
 
Retired UPS Driver said:
I may be wrong, but a good analogy might be compared to limp wristing a 1911 when fired. It often causes a FTE or FTF correctly. A good firm hold is all that’s needed.

Trying to time the button release sounds okay, but in reality is not plausible or realistic for EDC. Your Protech’s are prime examples, easily some of the fastest out there with great timing springs.

I believe it has to do with spring torsion, and the ending of the torque range in relation to the stop pin. Some autos are really weak, you can test by pushing the release button and just start to close the blade. Close the blade a quarter inch and let go, does it fly back open and lock up, or does it fail to open and lock up. That all depends on the spring torque timing. This is just my opinion of course.

The launch 8 is a great knife, that’s my dedicated letter & box opener + label remover. A rougher grit sharpening seems to work much better than a fine grit does on mine. That Teal color is very cool looking by the way.

Carried a Launch 5 for a year and a half and used it a lot. It held up great, only issue was the clip would cut and fray every pair of pants I wore it with. I retired my 5 & now carry the Socom, but for summer it may be the Siren as I really like that one too.

Just my personal take on things, everyone has their own experience with things
Click to expand...
Thanks.
 
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