Texas has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, but there are important restrictions and definitions you need to know to stay within the law.
Legal Knife Lengths and Definitions
- Knives with Blades 5.5 Inches or Less: Any adult or juvenile can legally carry knives with blades up to and including 5.5 inches almost anywhere in Texas. There are no statewide restrictions on the type or number of such knives, and both open and concealed carry are allowed.
- Knives with Blades Over 5.5 Inches (“Location-Restricted Knives”): Knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches, including swords, machetes, daggers, and Bowie knives, are classified as “location-restricted knives.” These can generally be carried by adults, but are prohibited in certain locations.
Restricted Locations for Large Knives
You cannot carry knives with blades over 5.5 inches in the following places:
- Schools and school transportation
- Colleges and university buildings
- Polling places during voting
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Airports (past security screening)
- Racetracks
- Bars and establishments deriving 51% or more of income from alcohol sales (look for a red “51%” sign)
- Sporting event venues
- Correctional facilities (jails, prisons)
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities
- Amusement parks
- Places of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.)
- Within 1,000 feet of an execution site (if posted)
Special Rules for Minors (Under 18)
- Minors can carry knives with blades 5.5 inches or less without restriction.
- Minors are prohibited from possessing or being given a location-restricted knife (blade over 5.5 inches) without parental consent. Violations can result in a Class A misdemeanor for the adult who provides the knife.
Statewide Preemption
- Texas law preempts local knife ordinances. Municipalities cannot create their own rules about knife possession, transfer, or carry. This means the same knife laws apply statewide, including in public parks and at public events, unless a specific exception applies.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a location-restricted knife in a prohibited place is typically a Class C misdemeanor (maximum $500 fine), except for violations involving schools, which are felonies.
- Providing a location-restricted knife to a minor without parental consent is a Class A misdemeanor.
How to Measure Blade Length
- Measure in a straight line from the most forward part of the handle (or where the handle would be) to the tip of the blade.
Summary Table: Knife Laws in Texas
| Blade Length | Who Can Carry | Where Allowed | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5″ or less | Adults & Minors | Almost everywhere | None |
| Over 5.5″ | Adults | Most places, but not in restricted locations | See list above |
| Over 5.5″ | Minors | Only with parental consent | Otherwise prohibited |
You can carry most knives openly or concealed in Texas, but blades over 5.5 inches are banned from specific sensitive locations. Always check the blade length, know the restricted places, and be aware of extra rules for minors.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/texas/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-texas-understanding-your-rights-and-restrictions/
- https://sharpcriminalattorney.com/blog/criminal-law/open-carry-texas-swords-knives/
- https://www.texastribune.org/2017/09/12/new-texas-law-expands-knife-freedoms/
- https://kniferights.org/hb-1935-bottom-line/