Check out Kershaw’s Italian Stiletto | The Launch 8 Automatic

Kershaw Knives modernized the ancient stiletto with their Matt Diskin designed Launch 8. In keeping with the design cues of the past, the Launch 8 maintains a symmetrical and very slender form. With a lightweight anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handle and decorative carbon fiber insert, the Launch weighs a mere 2.3 ounces. It’s these features plus a reversible pocket clip that make this automatic knife an easy to carry EDC knife.

Stiletto-

“First developed in Italy, the stiletto dates from the late 15th century, and is thought to be a development of the rondel dagger or misericordia, a needle-pointed weapon with a narrow blade designed primarily for thrusting, though possessing cutting edges. ~wikipedia

The slender CPM 154 steel blade is razor sharp on one side, and features a deep top grind to maintain low weight and add to that slick stiletto style. The Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) steel is formed by pouring molten metal through a small nozzle. Then introduced to high-pressure gas bursts. It’s here where the liquid stream becomes a fine spray of tiny droplets. These droplets are cooled, solidified into a powder form, and then hot pressed. Creating a blade steel sought after by custom knifesmiths around the world due to its workability, chip and corrosion resistance, edge retention and ease of sharpening.

Launch 8 Features:

• Made in the USA
• Push-button open
• Push-button lock release
• Reversible pocketclip (right/left, tip-up)
• Steel: CPM 154, stonewashed finish
• Handle: 6061-T6 aluminum, gray anodized, carbon fiber insert front
• Blade Length: 3.5 in. (9 cm)
• Closed Length: 4.75 in. (12.2 cm)
• Overall Length: 8.25 in. (21 cm)
• Weight: 2.3 oz. (68 g)
• MSRP $179.99

Construction & Materials

Kershaw’s use of high quality materials and intriguing designs in their Made in the USA line has always impressed me. Little touches on the Launch 8 like the use of carbon fiber to not only embellish the handle but cover the deep set pivot mechanism for a cleaner look. Opposing finger guards give it that classic switch blade feel. And that long slender stabby blade that converges to an almost invisible point. To top it off, it’s a push button automatic that deploys the blade at a frightening pace.

Although the blade design is unique in its shape, I found that it is less practical from a utility stand point and more suited as a defensive tool. But a great conversation piece none the less. Most friends that I’ve shown it to are shocked at the speed of deployment and amazed by the tip. Because the Launch 8 is an automatic, they are only available through your local dealer network and certain online retailers. Please check with your local, State, and Federal regulations regarding the purchase, owning, carrying, and transportation of automatic knives.