In Texas, pocket knife laws balance personal freedom with public safety, allowing widespread carry of smaller blades while imposing restrictions on longer knives in sensitive locations. Here’s a detailed overview:
Blade Length and Age Restrictions
- Adults (18+): Can legally carry any knife with a blade ≤5.5 inches openly or concealed, without permits or restrictions on type (including switchblades, Bowie knives, and swords).
- Minors (<18):Â Prohibited from possessing “location-restricted” knives (blades >5.5 inches) unless supervised by a parent/guardian or on private property.
Location Restrictions for Longer Blades
Knives with blades >5.5 inches (“location-restricted knives”) cannot be carried in:
| Restricted Locations | Examples |
|---|---|
| Educational institutions | Schools, school-sponsored events, school buses |
| Government/Civic spaces | Polling places, courts, secured airport areas |
| Licensed venues | Bars deriving >51% revenue from alcohol sales |
| Healthcare/Recreational areas | Hospitals, nursing homes, amusement parks |
| Other sensitive sites | Correctional facilities, places of worship |
Violations in most restricted areas are Class C misdemeanors (fines up to $500), while carrying in schools escalates to a felony (up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 fines).
Key Legal Developments
- House Bill 1935 (2017):Â Repealed “illegal knives” classification, legalizing ownership of all knife types regardless of size or style.
- Preemption Law:Â Prohibits local municipalities from enacting stricter knife regulations than state law.
Practical Considerations
- Measurement Standard: Blade length is measured straight from the handle’s forward edge to the tip.
- Switchblades Legalized:Â Previously banned, these are now permissible under the 2017 reforms.
Texas permits adults broad freedom to carry most knives, emphasizing blade length (≤5.5 inches) and location-based restrictions for longer blades. Minors face tighter controls, and violations in prohibited zones carry significant penalties. The 2017 reforms simplified compliance by eliminating ambiguous categories and standardizing rules statewide.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/texas/
- https://kniferights.org/hb-1935-bottom-line/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-texas-understanding-your-rights-and-restrictions/
- https://www.kylewhitaker.com/2021/08/can-you-carry-a-knife-on-you-in-texas/
