The Most Illegal Knife In The United States

It depends on the state. Federal law restricts the manufacture, sale, and interstate commerce of ballistic knives, while many states prohibit possession outright. In states where possession may not be explicitly banned, availability is still extremely limited.

There is little modern evidence showing ballistic knives are used in crimes at a higher rate than other knives. Their reputation is largely based on media portrayal rather than documented real-world use.

Switchblades and OTF knives deploy a blade that remains attached to the handle. A ballistic knife launches a detachable blade, which is the primary reason it is regulated differently.

Most knife law reforms have focused on tools commonly used for everyday carry or utility. Ballistic knives were never widely adopted for practical use and remain associated with outdated perceptions, making them a lower priority for reform efforts.

No. Modern knife manufacturers focus on tools that are legal, practical, and designed for real-world use. Ballistic knives do not meet those criteria and are not commercially viable in the U.S. market.