The Hogue Ballista 1 OTS Auto PS Tanto - U.S. Military Issue was built with one purpose in mind—delivering uncompromising performance in environments where reliability matters most. Trusted by American servicemen for nearly a decade and developed to meet demanding military specifications, the Ballista 1 reflects Hogue’s return to its tactical roots with a battle-proven automatic folder engineered for serious use.
Released as part of Hogue’s Memorial Day tribute honoring America’s heroes, this knife carries a deeper meaning beyond its performance-driven design. Through Hogue’s partnership with the DPI Group, veterans with disabilities help hand-assemble every knife with precision and pride, continuing a legacy of service through craftsmanship. It’s a knife built by people who understand the mission for those still carrying it out.
At the center of the Ballista 1 is a 3.5” tanto blade crafted from premium 154CM stainless steel with a durable black Cerakote finish. Known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, 154CM performs exceptionally well in hard-use environments. The tanto blade profile provides outstanding piercing strength and reinforced tip durability, making it ideal for tactical tasks and demanding utility work alike. A partially serrated edge adds versatility, giving the blade extra bite when cutting through fibrous materials, rope, and webbing. The hand-sharpened honed edge ensures razor-sharp cutting performance straight from the factory.
Deployment is fast and dependable thanks to the automatic push-button mechanism. The out-the-side automatic action snaps open with authority, delivering smooth, rapid one-handed operation when quick access matters most. Fully ambidextrous in design, the Ballista 1 accommodates both left- and right-handed users with confidence and control.
The handle is machined from lightweight yet incredibly durable 6061-T6 aluminum and finished in a black U.S. Military Issue colorway that reinforces the knife’s tactical heritage. Ergonomically shaped for a secure grip, the handle offers excellent control without unnecessary bulk. At 8” overall and weighing 4.2 ounces, the Ballista 1 strikes an ideal balance between carry comfort and full-size capability.
Proudly made in the USA and backed by three generations of manufacturing expertise, the Hogue Ballista 1 OTS Auto stands as a dependable cutting tool built to perform under pressure while honoring the servicemen and veterans who inspired its creation.
Built by Americans who’ve lived the mission, the Ballista 1 carries service and sacrifice in every detail, available at SMKW.