Texas knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, expanding the rights of knife owners while maintaining some restrictions for public safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding knife rights in Texas:
Current Knife Laws in Texas
Legal to Own and Carry
As of September 1, 2017, Texas eliminated the category of “illegal knives,” making it legal to own and carry a wide variety of knives. This includes:
- Bowie knives
- Daggers and dirks
- Stilettos and poniards
- Swords and spears
- Switchblades
- Balisong (butterfly) knives
- Throwing knives
Blade Length Restrictions
- Any knife with a blade length of 5.5 inches or less can be carried by adults and juveniles almost anywhere.
- Knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches are classified as “location-restricted” knives.
Location Restrictions
Location-restricted knives (those with blades over 5.5 inches) cannot be carried in certain places, including:
- Schools and school transportation vehicles
- Polling places
- Courthouses
- Airports (past security checkpoints)
- Bars deriving 51% or more of income from alcohol sales
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals and nursing homes (without written authorization)
- Amusement parks
Age Restrictions
- Individuals 18 and older can carry any legal knife, including location-restricted knives, except in prohibited locations.
- Those under 18 can carry knives with blades less than 5.5 inches but face additional restrictions for larger knives.
Open and Concealed Carry
Texas allows both open and concealed carry of knives without limits on the number or length of blades, except in restricted locations.
Recent Legislative Changes
- House Bill 1935 (effective September 1, 2017) removed the “illegal knives” category and introduced the concept of “location-restricted” knives.
- In 2021, the ban on carrying location-restricted knives in houses of worship was removed.
- As of 2025, efforts are ongoing to further reduce restrictions on location-restricted knives.
Legal Implications
- Violating knife laws in Texas can result in criminal charges ranging from Class C misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature of the violation.
- Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both, as well as potential knife confiscation.
Texas knife laws have become more permissive in recent years, aligning with the state’s interpretation of Second Amendment rights.
While most knives are now legal to own and carry, it’s crucial for knife owners to be aware of location restrictions, especially for blades over 5.5 inches. As legislation continues to evolve, staying informed about current laws is essential for responsible knife ownership in Texas.
Sources
- https://www.texastribune.org/2017/09/12/new-texas-law-expands-knife-freedoms/
- https://kniferights.org/knife-rights-texas-hb-1935-bottom-line/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/texas-knife-laws/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-texas-understanding-your-rights-and-restrictions/
- https://knifeup.com/texas-knife-laws/
