Ballistic Knife???

P

pocat

New member
I remember, back in the 80's I believe, some hoopla surrounding the controversial "ballistic knife". I was in my early teens then when I first saw ads for them in Soldier of Forturne magazine. Some time later, I heard that Congress banned this weapon, but some sources said that only the springs were outlawed.

That's about all I know about this curious weapon. Does anyone here have any experience or knowledge of it? How effective was it? Are diagrams, kits or plans available for it? No - I'm not considering using it as a legitimate self-defense weapon - I have plenty of firepower for that. Just curious. Any info anyone might have would be appreciated. I checked out Google on this, but found mostly HTML files of rambling state and fed laws prohibiting it.

I know it's asking a lot to expect anyone to explain why Congress would ban this knife, but WHY? Were there many drive-by "balistic knifings" in the 80's that I was unaware of?
 
I have one and they are not all that great. There were 2 runs of the knives and 1 was el-cheapo. Mine was the better quality run and at least the blade part is well made. I think of it as more of a conversation peice than a weapon. I keep the spring out of it stored seperately.
 
ballistic knife

Its a knife really pissed off ... totally loosing its temper :-)
seriously its a knife that actually propels the blade from the handle (like an OTF) via spring loaded mechanics. actually shoots the blade from the handle supposed to be accurate up to 25 yrds. but only reports I have heard are negative. I think originated in russia for their special forces. hope this helps
loandr.
 
hot from the US CODE

Here is the definition under the US Code...

Just FYI


15 USC Sec. 1245 01/02/01

-EXPCITE-

TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE

CHAPTER 29 - MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF

SWITCHBLADE KNIVES

-HEAD-

Sec. 1245. Ballistic knives

-STATUTE-

(a) Prohibition and penalties for possession, manufacture, sale, or

importation

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) Prohibition and penalties for possession or use during

commission of Federal crime of violence

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) Exceptions

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) ''Ballistic knife'' defined

As used in this section, the term ''ballistic knife'' means a

knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a

spring-operated mechanism.

-SOURCE-

(Pub. L. 85-623, Sec. 7, as added Pub. L. 99-570, title X, Sec.

10002, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207-167; amended Pub. L. 100-690,

title VI, Sec. 6472, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4379.)

-MISC1-

AMENDMENTS

1988 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100-690, Sec. 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, Sec. 6472(2), struck out ''or

State'' after ''Federal''.

EFFECTIVE DATE

Section 10004 of Pub. L. 99-570 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).''



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Congress banned the Russian ballistic knife? Someone tell Wile E. Coyote. He'll be upset.:rolleyes:

Good thing the flying knife is illegal. There's no way criminals will be able to fling blades through the air now!!!

As if we need another reason to hold Congress in contempt.
 
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