That's not true at all.
The text for the federal switchblade act says as following:
The term ''switchblade knife'' means any knife having a blade
which opens automatically -
(1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the
handle of the knife, or
(2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.
It has nothing to do with whether it opens from the side or front. The fact that it opens with a button is enough for it to be considered a switchblade. You'll find that most state and local laws against automatic knives have similar wording, if it opens automatically with a button (or other mechanism on the handle), it's a switchblade.
Secondly, an "Out-The-Front" (OTF) Automatic is the proper term for a knife where the blade opens out the front. There are two types, single action and double action. Single action you can only open with the button, you have to close it manually. Double action you can open and close with the switch or button on the handle. The reason I bring this up is many single action and the majority of double action OTF knives have a safeguard built in so they don't stab into you or someone else. When pressed against a somewhat hard surface and fired, the blade will pop off it's track. It only locks into place if the blade is allowed to open fully. Thinking that if you open the knife against a person it will "slide right into them" is a common misconception.
