Singleplayer/Co-Op

It is available through the Mystery Box. The player is able to pick up knives after being stuck into zombies. Although the ballistic knife has a much higher stabbing strength in zombies (one stab up to about round 5 without the Sickle or Bowie knife), it is not a favorable weapon, due to its low ammo count, low rate of fire, and low damage. However, if there's multiple players in the game, the Ballistic Knife can work out as a good secondary should the player not need another secondary weapon, as when Pack-a-Punched, it can be very effective even at later rounds, in case the player's teammates are often down (more details on the Pack-a-Punched version below). If the Bowie Knife or Sickle is purchased, it will replace the regular melee knife when wielding the Ballistic Knife.

When Pack-a-Punched it becomes "The Krauss Refibrillator" and will revive a player instantly if hit by the blade, which will give the secret trophy/achievement "See Me, Stab Me, Heal Me". Note the fact that if you are downed, your knifes will not revive other players.

Multiplayer

Damage 135
 
Magazine Size 1
 
Tier 20
 
Unlocked at 15
 
Cost (Black Ops) 1500
 
Cost (Nazi Zombies) 950 (Mystery Box)
 
Starting Ammunition 2 (Multiplayer) 5 (Nazi Zombies) 
 
Maximum Ammunition 2 (Multiplayer) 5 (Nazi Zombies)
 
Reload Time 1-2 seconds
 
Rate of Fire Single shot  

The Ballistic Knife is a special secondary weapon. It is a one-hit kill when fired (same as the Tomahawk) as well as when used to melee. Also like the Tomahawk the fired 'rounds' can be reused if picked up off the ground or wherever it embeds itself. The trajectory of the knife in flight is similar to the tomahawk, but more direct; it goes much farther before losing momentum and dipping below the aim point. The knife must be primed by pulling a pin before it can fire. It is recommended that as soon as possible, you switch to Ballistic Knife after every spawn, and then back to your primary. After this is done, the second time you pull out your Ballistic Knife, its draw time is approximately as fast as a pistol's, and can make the difference between life and death. The Ballistic Knife also greatly increases melee speed, so it is often used in knife classes for the quick stab and the ability to reach out and touch an enemy from a distance.

The Ballistic Knife is a secondary weapon in the "Specials" category and is unlocked at level 15. It is one of the few available weapons in the Sticks and Stones playlist in Black Ops, along with the regular knife, Crossbow and Tomahawk. The Ballistic Knife is the Tier 20 weapon, the final one used, in Gun Game. It is important to note that while firing the Ballistic Knife makes little to no sound, the player will appear on enemies' minimaps (in the same manner as when firing non-suppressed weapons). Another important fact to note is that it increases your melee lunge by about 33%.

Challenges