Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

15 U.S.C. § 1245

Ballistic knives

(a)

Prohibition and penalties for possession, manufacture, sale, or importation

section 1151 of title 18section 7 of title 18Whoever in or affecting interstate commerce, within any Territory or possession of the United States, within Indian country (as defined in ), or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in ), 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

section 1244 of this titleThe exceptions provided in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of 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.

Pub. L. 85–623, § 7Pub. L. 99–570, title X, § 10002100 Stat. 3207–167Pub. L. 100–690, title VI, § 6472102 Stat. 4379(, as added , , ; amended , , .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 100–690, § 6472(1)section 1151 of title 18section 7 of title 181988—Subsec. (a). , substituted “in or affecting interstate commerce, within any Territory or possession of the United States, within Indian country (as defined in ), or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in ), knowingly possesses, manufactures, sells, or imports” for “knowingly possesses, manufactures, sells, or imports”.

Pub. L. 100–690, § 6472(2)Subsec. (b). , struck out “or State” after “Federal”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 99–570, title X, § 10004100 Stat. 3207–167

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