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Title 15 — Commerce and TradeRelease 119-73

§1245 Ballistic knives

Title 15 › Chapter CHAPTER 29— - MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SWITCHBLADE KNIVES › § 1245

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Making, selling, importing, or having a ballistic knife in interstate commerce, in U.S. territories, in Indian country, or in certain federal areas is illegal. The punishment can be a fine under title 18, up to 10 years in prison, or both. Using a ballistic knife during a federal violent crime brings prison of 5 to 10 years. The three exceptions in section 1244(1)–(3) for switchblades also apply. A ballistic knife is any knife with a removable blade that a spring can shoot out.

Full Legal Text

Title 15, §1245

Commerce and Trade — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Whoever in or affecting interstate commerce, within any Territory or possession of the United States, within Indian country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18), or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in section 7 of title 18), knowingly possesses, manufactures, sells, or imports a ballistic knife shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(b)Whoever possesses or uses a ballistic knife in the commission of a Federal crime of violence shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned not less than five years and not more than ten years, or both.
(c)The exceptions provided in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 1244 of this title with respect to switchblade knives shall apply to ballistic knives under subsection (a) of this section.
(d)As used in this section, the term “ballistic knife” means a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–690, § 6472(1), substituted “in or affecting interstate commerce, within any Territory or possession of the United States, within Indian country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18), or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in section 7 of title 18), knowingly possesses, manufactures, sells, or imports” for “knowingly possesses, manufactures, sells, or imports”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–690, § 6472(2), struck out “or State” after “Federal”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 99–570, title X, § 10004, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–167, provided that: “The

Amendments

made by this title [enacting this section, amending section 1716 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1241 of this title] shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this title [Oct. 27, 1986].”

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

15 U.S.C. § 1245

Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73