Kershaw Launch 16 Automatic Knife 3.45" Black/Olive (71050LBLK)
$134.80
$269.99
(You save
$135.19
)
- Type:
- Automatic
- Finish-Color:
- Black
- Barrel Length:
- 16"
- Blade Length:
- 3.45"
- Blade Material:
- CPM M4 Steel
- Blade Type:
- Tanto
- Closed Length:
- 4.95"
- Edge Type:
- Plain
- Handle Description:
- Olive Cerakote w/Black Oxide Hardware
- OAL:
- 8.40"
- Open Type:
- Push Button
- Weight:
- 4.10 oz
The Kershaw Launch 16 automatic knife combines reliable deployment with serious cutting performance in a compact package. Built for hunters, tactical users, and anyone who needs a dependable blade within arm's reach, this automatic tanto knife features a 3.45" blade that deploys at the push of a button—no folding, no fumbling. The American-made design balances everyday carry practicality with the aggressive edge geometry of a tanto point, making it equally at home on utility cuts, piercing work, or emergency situations in the field.
What sets the Launch 16 apart is the marriage of premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics. The blade is CPM M4 steel—a high-carbon super steel prized for its combination of edge retention and toughness, dressed in a black Cerakote finish that resists corrosion and wear. The handle wraps in Olive Cerakote aluminum with Trac-Tec inserts, oversized jimping, and a finger choil that lock your grip in place even during demanding work. Whether you're right- or left-handed, the reversible deep-carry pocket clip tucks the knife flat and secure without printing.
The push-button action features a low-profile design that reduces the risk of accidental deployment—important for a knife you'll carry daily. The tanto blade geometry excels at puncturing and controlled cutting, a design borrowed from tactical and outdoor traditions. At 3.45 inches, the blade length stays practical for carry while delivering the reach you need for real work. This is a knife that looks purposeful and performs the same way.
Key Features
- CPM M4 blade steel for superior edge retention, hardness, and toughness
- Tanto blade shape optimized for piercing and controlled cuts
- Black Cerakote blade coating for corrosion resistance
- Olive Cerakote aluminum handle with Trac-Tec inserts
- Oversized jimping and finger choil for secure grip control
- Automatic push-button deployment with low-profile safety design
- Reversible deep-carry pocket clip fits left and right-handed carry
- Made in the USA
Specifications
| Brand | Kershaw |
| Model | Launch 16 |
| Model Number | 71050LBLK |
| Blade Length | 3.45" |
| Blade Style | Tanto, Plain Edge |
| Blade Steel | CPM M4 |
| Blade Finish | Black Cerakote |
| Handle Material | Olive Cerakote Aluminum with Trac-Tec Inserts |
| Action Type | Automatic (Push Button) |
| Pocket Clip | Reversible Deep-Carry |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of edge does the Launch 16 have?
The Launch 16 comes with a plain edge blade. The tanto point geometry is optimized for piercing cuts and controlled cutting tasks, while the CPM M4 steel maintains excellent edge retention through extended use.
Can I carry this knife left-handed?
Yes. The deep-carry pocket clip is reversible, so you can configure it for either right- or left-handed carry depending on your preference.
Is the automatic deployment safe for everyday carry?
The Launch 16 features a low-profile push-button design that makes accidental deployment much less likely than traditional button switches. The button requires deliberate pressure to fire, giving you control over when the blade deploys.
What is CPM M4 steel, and why does it matter?
CPM M4 is a high-carbon super steel engineered for a balance of edge retention, hardness, and toughness. It holds a sharp edge longer than softer steels and resists chipping under demanding cutting and piercing work—important qualities for a tactical utility blade.
