Kershaw Launch 6 Voted Best New Automatic Knife 2016

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

The KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in the production knife world. KnifeNews turned to knife dealers to determine the winners. With hundreds of new production knives passing through their hands and many hours spent interacting with end-users, dealers have the most comprehensive and informed perspective. 21 of North America’s top dealers cast their votes in 10 different categories to choose the best of the best in 2016.

We are pleased to announce that the Kershaw Launch 6 is the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Automatic Knife 2016. Votes cast by dealers indicated that other great new blades in this category include the Benchmade 2551 Mini-Reflex II, the Gerber 06 Auto, and the Kershaw Launch 4.

Kershaw’s Susan Dundas tells us that the team in Tualatin, Oregon really thought hard about the Launch 6 design before putting it into production. It took a collaborative effort between many different parts of the company to get the knife where Kershaw wanted it. “We work closely with design and production to create products that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and at a price that appeals to large audiences.”

According to Dundas, all of the hard work is paying off. “With more states allowing automatic knives, people are able to carry their favorite brand and the Launch 6 has rapidly become a fan favorite.” With a 3.75” blade, the Launch 6 is the biggest knife in the series, but it’s not the heaviest. The knife weighs a mere 3.8 oz thanks to its thin aluminum handle construction. The blade buries deep in the handle to make it a slim carry. “The Launch 6 is sleek and tactical,” Dundas says.

The blade opens with authority at the push of the button, which is recessed to preclude accidental firing. The machining on the handle adds a touch of style, but also provides added grip during deployment and use. The sweeping blade features CPM-154 steel, the powder metallurgy variant of tried-and-true 154CM. It offers great edge retention, toughness, and sharpenability. Kershaw added a DLC coating to prevent corrosion. Like all of the Launch series knives, the Kershaw Launch 6 is made in the USA.

Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Assisted-Opening Folder 2016.

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
CRKT Clever Girl (WINNER)
Friday, November 11th

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade:
Top 4 Contenders
Mora Garberg (WINNER)
Saturday, November 12th

Best New Fixed Blade for EDC:
Top 4 Contenders
TOPS C.U.T. 4.0 (WINNER)
Sunday, November 13th

Best Knife Upgrade:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade G-10 Griptilian (WINNER)
Monday, November 14th

Best New Automatic Knife:
Top 4 Contenders
Kershaw Launch 6 (WINNER)
Tuesday, November 15th

Best New Assisted-Opening Folder:
Top 4 Contenders
Benchmade 490 Amicus (WINNER)
Wednesday, November 16th

Best New Value Folder (MSRP under $100):
Top 4 Contenders
Cold Steel Pro-Lite (WINNER)
Thursday, November 17th

Best New Manual Folder:
Top 5 Contenders
Zero Tolerance 0456 (WINNER)
Friday, November 18th

Most Innovative New Knife:
Top 3 Contenders
CRKT Homefront (WINNER)
Saturday, November 19th

Best Overall New for 2016 Lineup:
Top 5 Contenders
Benchmade Knife Company (WINNER)
Sunday, November 20th

Knife featured in image: Kershaw Launch 6