In Texas, it is legal for adults to carry pocket knives with a blade length of 5.5 inches or less. This rule applies to both open and concealed carry, and there are no restrictions on the number of such knives you can carry. The law is clear and straightforward: as long as the blade does not exceed 5.5 inches, you can carry the knife almost anywhere in the state without issue.
Location-Restricted Knives
Knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches are classified as “location-restricted knives.” While adults may legally own and carry these knives, they are prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Schools and educational institutions
- School-sponsored events and passenger vehicles
- Polling places on election days
- Courts and government offices used by the court
- Secured areas of airports
- Correctional facilities
- Amusement parks
- Hospitals and nursing facilities
- Places of worship
- Businesses deriving more than 51% of revenue from alcohol sales.
Violating these location restrictions can result in criminal charges, typically a Class C misdemeanor (up to a $500 fine), but carrying a location-restricted knife on school premises is a felony, with penalties including up to ten years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Minors and Pocket Knives
For individuals under 18, there are additional restrictions. Minors cannot carry location-restricted knives unless they are on their own premises, in a vehicle or boat, or under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Selling or giving a location-restricted knife to a minor without parental consent is a Class A misdemeanor.
Measuring Blade Length
Blade length is measured in a straight line from the most forward part of the handle to the tip of the blade. For legal compliance, it is recommended to choose a knife with a blade slightly under 5.5 inches to avoid ambiguity.
Key Changes and Legislative Background
Texas revised its knife laws with House Bill 1935, effective September 1, 2017. This law eliminated the category of “illegal knives” and replaced it with the “location-restricted knives” designation, greatly expanding the freedom of knife owners while maintaining certain public safety restrictions.
- Adults can carry pocket knives with blades up to 5.5 inches almost anywhere in Texas.
- Knives with blades over 5.5 inches are “location-restricted” and banned from specific places.
- Minors face additional restrictions regarding location-restricted knives.
- Blade measurement is from the front of the handle to the tip.
- Violations can result in fines, misdemeanors, or felonies depending on the location and circumstances.
Texas law is among the most permissive in the United States regarding pocket knives, but it is essential to understand and respect the location restrictions and rules for minors to remain compliant.
Sources
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/
https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/texas/
https://kniferights.org/hb-1935-bottom-line/
https://www.texastribune.org/2017/09/12/new-texas-law-expands-knife-freedoms/