What is a Ballistic Knife?

A ballistic knife has a removable blade that ejects from the handle with the press of a trigger. This knife is mostly used by the military and self-defense.

The knife’s name refers to the blade flying way from the knife when triggered. The blade becomes its own projectile. This is why some people consider the ballistic knife to be a firearm.

Air and Gas Propulsion

There are different kinds of ballistic knives with various methods of propelling the blade. Some use air compression or gas propulsion to fire it further.

Air compression and gas propelled knives tend to last longer since the spring experiences less wear over time. The blade has a less accurate aim when fired, though.

Spring Propulsion

Spring-based ballistic knives are more accurate and generally quieter. However, they still lack precision. The spring also experiences more wear.

The mechanism for ejecting the blade from a spring-based ballistic knife is composed of four key parts: a hollow handle, a removable blade, a spring, and a trigger. The spring is located inside the handle. The trigger is usually in the form of a lever or switch, located on the outside of the handle. The blade is then fitted into the handle and locked into place.

The blade remains locked inside the handle until the trigger is pressed. When this happens, the spring propels the blade forward, releasing it from the knife. The blade is ejected forward, sometimes for several yards.

Russian Ballistic Knife

Russian ballistic knives are especially lethal. They are triggered by pulling a pin or pressing a button. The blade stays attached to the handle once deployed, allowing it to be reloaded over and over again. This version of the ballistic knife features a powerful spring that can propel the blade up to 20 feet.

The Russian knife is based on the NRS-2 Gun Hybrid. This weapon combines a knife blade and a single-shot gun that fires a 7.62 mm SP-4 cartridge. The NRS-2 was manufactured in large numbers during the 1980s and it is still used by Russia’s elite Spetsnaz troops.

What are Ballistic Knives Used For?

Ballistic knives are primarily used for assassinations and covert military operations where stealth is required. When the blade is fixed it offers decent stability for cutting. It can be used for survival and outdoors purposes such as cutting branches for a fire.

Are Ballistic Knives Legal in the U.S.?

In the mid-1980s, the ballistic knife was being sold in the US. Its reputation as a Soviet weapon used for killing and debilitating preceding it. American authorities viewed the knife with concern and it was banned in 1986.

This ban covers all types of ballistic knives, including those propelled by spring, gas, or air. Knives powered by gas and air compression are considered especially dangerous since they can propel the blade further and sometimes use an explosive charge to do so.

New York State Bans Ballistic Knife

Originally, a ban made in New York State after claims the knife could pierce police body armor. While this bill failed to pass, it was soon followed by others that succeeded. A federal law was passed which banned the possession, manufacture, sale, and importation of ballistic knives.

The law does have two key exceptions:

1. The law specifies that ballistic knives cannot be carried or sold across state lines. This means that you may be able to purchase, make, or sell one within a state’s borders. However, individual states will have their own laws, so it’s best to check first.
2. Members of the military are exempt. However, the conditions for carrying these knives are often dependent on the contract between the manufacturer or seller and the specific military branch.

The US is not the only country that bans the use of ballistic knives. Many nations, especially Western nations, prohibit the possession and sale of these knives.

Where to Get a Ballistic Knife

If you are in the military, you will find it easier to use a ballistic knife. However, make sure to check with individual state laws and the military contract you are bound by.

As a citizen, its more difficult to get your hands on a ballistic knife. You cannot purchase from someone in another state or country, and you cannot carry across state lines. However, you may be able to make your own or purchase one from a seller within your own state. Again, check with your state’s specific laws.

It is always possible to purchase a ballistic knife online but keep in mind laws about interstate commerce and importation. This means that the seller cannot ship to you from another state or country.

Unique Ballistic Knife

A ballistic knife is a unique knife that involves propelling a fixed blade like a firearm. There are various models that have different triggers and blade propulsion. To avoid violating any federal or state laws, make sure you know who you are buying from and where they are located.