The new law was effective on September 1st, 2017. The following is a summary of the new law with respect to carry of knives. Read the actual bill here: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/HB01935F.pdf
All “illegal knives”(Penal Code Sec. 46.01(6)) that were previously prohibited to carry(Penal Code Sec. 46.02) will be removed from Texas statute: This list includes:knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches,hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown, daggers, dirks, stilettos, poniards, swords, spears and Bowie knives.
NOTE: Knives that incorporate “knuckles” as part of the handle (Penal Code Sec. 46.01(8)), such as the iconic Model 1918 WWI Trench Knife and similar, remain illegal to possess in Texas (Penal Code Sec. 46.05(2)).
NOTE: Tomahawks remain classified as “clubs” (Penal Code Sec. 46.01(1)(D)) that are still illegal to carry (Penal Code Sec. 46.02) in Texas.
BOTTOM LINE Summary: Any adult can carry any knife legal to possess anywhere as long as it is not over five and a half (5.5) inches. You can carry longer knives almost everywhere, except as noted below. There is no separate rule for concealed carry, you may carry open or concealed, however you want. There is no limit on the number of knives you can carry.
After the fatal stabbing on the University of Texas Austin campus threatened to sink the “illegal knives” repeal entirely, a compromise was made to create a new category of knives called “location restricted” knives that only applies to knives with blades over 5.5″. Based on Texas judicial precedent, blade length is measured in a straight line from the most forward part of the handle (or where that would normally be if there is no added handle to the tang of the knife) to the point of the blade.
Knife Rights will be back in Texas in 2019 to address these remaining restrictions.
BOTTOM LINE Location Restricted Knives (those with blades over 5.5″), including swords and spears, cannot be carried in the following locations:
Schools and on any passenger transportation vehicle of a school
Polling Places
Courthouses
Airports past Security Screening (all knives are already prohibited by TSA)
Racetracks
Within 1,000 feet of the premises where an Execution is being conducted, if posted
Establishments (bars/restaurants) that derive 51% or more of their income from alcohol sales and which have a RED 51% sign posted (see right)
Sporting Events (high school, collegiate or professional sporting event or interscholastic sporting event)
Correctional Facilities
Hospitals
Nursing Homes
Mental Hospitals
Amusem*nt Parks
Churches, Synagogues and Established Places of Worship.
The penalty for carry of a location restricted knife in a prohibited location is a Class C Misdemeanor except for Schools where it is 3rd-degree Felony
MINORS & Location Restricted Knives (under 18 years of age):
You cannot sell, rent, lease, loan, or give a location restricted knife (or offer to do any of those things) to anyone under 18 years old without their parent’s written permission (for selling) or effective consent (for anything besides selling). The penalty is a Class A Misdemeanor.
If you’re under 18, you may not carry a location restricted knife outside of your home, property or a motor vehicle/watercraft owned by you and under your control (or directly enroute to the motor vehicle or watercraft), unless you’re under a parent or legal guardian’s direct supervision. The penalty is a Class C Misdemeanor.
We Will Be Back!
In 2013 Knife Rights’ repeal of Texas’ switchblade ban was enacted. In 2015 we got Knife Law Preemption enacted, removing all local knife ordinances more restrictive than Texas state law. Now in 2017 we have removed all of the “illegal knives” in Texas law, finally allowing Texans the right to carry a Bowie knife, dagger and virtually any other knife. But, we are not yet finished. We will be back in two years to see about striking those last remaining minor knife restrictions in Texas. We won’t stop until Texas is a free as everyone thinks Texas is.
FAQs
BOTTOM LINE Summary: Any adult can carry any knife legal to possess anywhere as long as it is not over five and a half (5.5) inches. You can carry longer knives almost everywhere, except as noted below. There is no separate rule for concealed carry, you may carry open or concealed, however you want.
What are the new knife laws in Texas? ›
In 2017 our bill removed all of the “illegal knives” in Texas law, finally allowing Texans the right to carry a Bowie knife, dagger and others in public. In 2019 our bill removed the ban on carry of clubs (including tomahawks) and possession of knuckles (including trench knives and the like).
Is it illegal to carry a knife in Texas under 18? ›
Knives can be carried both openly and concealed as there is no legal precedent riding over this issue. It is important to note that minors are allowed to legally carry knives, however, blades MUST NOT EXCEED 5.5 inches unless under special circ*mstance.
Can felons carry knives in Texas? ›
The felon in possession of a weapon charge means that anyone convicted of a felony cannot own or possess a switch-blade, a butterfly knife, a clubbing instrument, a Taser or a stun gun. Convicted felons may possess daggers, dirks or stillettos in his or her residence, but may not carry them in cars or in public.
Can I defend myself with a knife in Texas? ›
In Texas, it is legal to defend yourself with a knife if you are in fear of imminent harm or death. You are also allowed to use deadly force if there is an immediate threat of serious injury or death and it is proportionate to the threat posed against you.
What knives are illegal in Texas in 2024? ›
Texas allows adults and juveniles under 18 to carry knives with blades shorter than 5.5 inches anywhere in the state. Adults may carry knives longer than 5.5 inches in most places aside from restricted locations like courthouses, government buildings, and schools.
What size knife is considered a weapon in Texas? ›
46.02) in Texas. BOTTOM LINE Summary: Any adult can carry any knife legal to possess anywhere as long as it is not over five and a half (5.5) inches. You can carry longer knives almost everywhere, except as noted below. There is no separate rule for concealed carry, you may carry open or concealed, however you want.
What type of weapons can a felon own in Texas? ›
Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. If more than 5 years have passed since completing their prison sentence (including parole or probation), the law allows possessing a firearm at home. Federal law does not contain that exception.
What self-defense weapons can a felon own? ›
They are prohibited from owning, purchasing, receiving, or controlling firearms. Also, people with outstanding felony warrants are forbidden from owning or possessing a gun. It is legal to purchase, possess, or carry a stun gun or taser for lawful self-defense as defined under Penal Code 22610 PC.
Can you open carry in TX? ›
People in Texas carrying a handgun that is partially or wholly visible must carry it in a holster. Before the law changed in 2021, people in Texas needed to have a license to openly carry a handgun and they needed to carry their handgun in a "shoulder or belt holster." Now, a license is not required to carry openly.
The Castle Doctrine in Texas is a legal principle that allows residents to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves, their family, and their property from an intruder or attacker.
Can a man hit a woman in self-defense in Texas? ›
A person is justified in using force (but not deadly force) in order to prevent someone from committing suicide or inflicting serious bodily injury to him or herself. A person can use force (including deadly force) against another when it's immediately necessary to preserve the other's life in an emergency.
Is Texas stand your ground? ›
Texas Law. Texas has a stand your ground law which removes the duty to retreat before using deadly force if the person is in a place they have a right to be, is not engaged in criminal activity, and has not provoked his or her assailant.
What are the new knife laws? ›
The new knife laws in NSW are that the maximum penalty for selling a knife to a child aged under 16 is now a $11,000 fine and/or 12 months of gaol. A new offence also bans the sale of a knife to a child aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse.
Can I carry a double edged knife in Texas? ›
H.B. 1935 (Texas Knife Law Reform Bill) eliminated ownership and restrictions on knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches, including daggers, double-edged knives, swords, dirks, poniards, dirks, stilettos, and Bowie knives.
What is the law on open carry in Texas? ›
People in Texas carrying a handgun that is partially or wholly visible must carry it in a holster. Before the law changed in 2021, people in Texas needed to have a license to openly carry a handgun and they needed to carry their handgun in a "shoulder or belt holster." Now, a license is not required to carry openly.
What weapon is illegal in Texas? ›
The following firearms and ammunition are prohibited in Texas, unless they are validly registered under federal law: Machine guns. Short-barrel firearms. Armor-piercing ammunition.
Establishments (bars/restaurants) that derive 51% or more of their income from alcohol sales and which have a RED 51% sign posted (see right)