Knife laws of Texas

[macktruckturner]

The definition of "switchblade" in our own laws is rather slippery, and could be interpreted to mean every single "tactical" knife on Earth. I've yet to meet one that didn't fall into this category:

(B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or
sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal
force.

That in itself is interesting as centrifugal force itself is psudeo-scientific jargon (the favorite language of weapon banners worldwide) and either refers to a frame of reference, or is used to describe components of centripetal force. If you've ever used a flick of the wrist to open your folder, you've just made a switchblade. :

Of course, I've been issued a Gerber that is an auto-opener, and definitely meets the switchblade requirement on the first definition. Push the handle mounted button, and out springs the blade. Too bad, it's a very sharp blade, and holds a heck of an edge. It'd skin a deer real nice like.

[x-acto]

Does a chef knife is applicable to this laws? Does it need to have licensed? What are the kinds of knife that is prohibited by law?

[7075-T7]

At least the Kershaw "assisted openers" are legal, since you have to overcome a detent (that keeps the knife closed) by pushing ON the blade.

[boomerang]

Does a chef knife is applicable to this laws? Does it need to have licensed?

A license is not required for a chef knife. If it's a 4" chef knife it's legal. If it's a 6" chef knife you generally can't carry it in public. IANAL

What are the kinds of knife that is prohibited by law?

Carry is covered in 46.02 and ownership is covered in 46.05 but in general you can't carry a "knife with a blade over five and one-half inches; (B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown; (C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stilletto, and poniard; (D) bowie knife; (E) sword; or (F) spear."

[davidtx]

Even within Texas I understand. From what I know, it is illegal in San Antonio to carry a pocket knife that locks open whereas in the rest of the state it is perfectly legal.

Where can I find out more about this?

-davidtx

[joe817]

Even within Texas I understand. From what I know, it is illegal in San Antonio to carry a pocket knife that locks open whereas in the rest of the state it is perfectly legal.

Where can I find out more about this? -davidtx

davidtx, read Skiprr's comments from this thread:

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic. ... io#p348447" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[davidtx]

Even within Texas I understand. From what I know, it is illegal in San Antonio to carry a pocket knife that locks open whereas in the rest of the state it is perfectly legal.

Where can I find out more about this? -davidtx

davidtx, read Skiprr's comments from this thread:

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic. ... io#p348447" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is just too strange for words. I'm OK, since I'm always traveling when in San Antonio (2-3 times a week), but all this nonsense about legal knives has got me concerned. If any city can write their own laws on this, how do you ever know if you are compliant.

-davidtx

[hirundo82]

According to an attorney friend of mine who specializes in criminal law, you can own one, just can't carry it. Own as in a collection at home.

Or since the Motorist Protection Act in 2007, you can carry one in your car.

[gtrman66]

I asked about the "assisted open" knives with a vendor at a bike rally a couple years back. He said, Law Enforcement, EMT's and people with the use of only one arm were allowed to own/carry them. He said if I wanted one, no problem, he didn't care which of the 3 I was, only the color of my money. I stuck to a nice blade with the pin you push with your thumb to open. great for boxes in the warehouse and opening mail. Been a screwdriver for the bike a few times too.

[koolaid]

I stuck to a nice blade with the pin you push with your thumb to open. great for boxes in the warehouse and opening mail.

I'm pretty happy with my Spyderco. With the big thumbhole it is pretty easy to open it one handed as fast an assisted opener.

[theos]

OWNERSHIP. that is REALLY strange not two years ago I bought a spring assisted knife from a gunshow in West Monroe from someone who had a bunch of similar knives right across the table.
I also bought from this man a double edge short knife with a ankle or belt holster clearly designed for concealed carry for protection. Obviously illegal according to Texas law as it falls under double edge or throwing knife, but according to Louisiana Law, both of these are illegal to carry (in fact according to the law my simple pocketknife is illegal to carry) and one of them is illegal to own.

Is there a good quality of you spring assisted knife? I wanna know because I have plan to have that kind of knife.

[Humanphibian]

LOL on the Gaylon Music. I grew up in Southlake/G'vine. My dad was a Trooper during the 70's and early 80's. Gaylon was a family friend. He was quite the character. I thing he eventually made chief out somewhere west of FW.

[Humanphibian]

looks like he is now a Traffic Sgt. at Southlake