Are Butterfly Knives Illegal in Texas? Updated for 2026
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Texas Bar verified. Reggie London (Texas Bar No. 24043514) and Njeri London (Texas Bar No. 24043266) are the co-founding partners of L and L Law Group, PLLC — based at 5899 Preston Rd, Suite 101 in Frisco, Texas (Collin County), with many 5-star Google reviews, and available 24/7 for criminal defense consultations.
Table of Contents
The 2017 knife law reform
Before 2017, Texas Penal Code §46.05 listed several types of knives as "illegal knives," including switchblades, gravity knives, Bowie knives, and daggers. Possession was a Class A misdemeanor. The 2017 reform (HB 1935) substantially repealed these restrictions, replacing them with a "location-restricted knife" framework focused on blade length.
What changed:
- Switchblades, butterfly knives, gravity knives: Now legal to own and carry. Removed from the prohibited list.
- Daggers, dirks, stilettos: Now legal.
- Bowie knives: Now legal.
- Throwing knives: Now legal.
- Long blades (over 5.5 inches): Now legal generally, but restricted in specific locations.
Texas now has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. The reform reflected the legislature's judgment that prohibitions on specific knife designs were outdated and unevenly enforced.
Where knife restrictions still apply
Two main restrictions remain in current Texas law:
Location-restricted knives (blade over 5.5 inches). Penal Code §46.03 prohibits carrying a "location-restricted knife" — defined as a knife with a blade over 5.5 inches — in:
- Schools or educational institutions, including school activities
- Polling places on election day
- Government meetings open to the public
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals and mental health facilities
- Amusement parks
- Religious places of worship (with limitations)
- Bars (51% establishments)
- Courtrooms or court offices
- Racetracks
- Sporting events
Violation is a Class C misdemeanor (up to $500 fine), enhanced to higher levels in some locations.
Carrying with intent to harm. Penal Code §46.02 prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carrying a knife "in plain view" on public property by certain prohibited persons (felons in possession contexts) or with intent to use it as a weapon for unlawful purposes. The standard "carrying a knife" without prohibited intent is generally lawful.
What about minors and butterfly knives?
Texas law does not prohibit minors from owning or possessing butterfly knives at the state level. The location-restricted knife rule applies regardless of the carrier's age — meaning a minor with a 5.5+ inch knife at a school is committing the same offense as an adult.
However:
- Schools have their own conduct codes that prohibit any knife on campus, regardless of blade length. Disciplinary action is administrative, not criminal.
- Local ordinances in some Texas cities impose stricter knife laws on minors. Check city-specific rules.
- Parental control remains the primary regulatory pathway for minor knife possession.
Texas butterfly-knife and knife law at a glance (2026)
| Scenario | Legal status in Texas | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Owning or carrying a butterfly knife (balisong), blade 5.5 inches or less | Legal since September 1, 2017 | HB 1935 (repealed the § 46.05 “illegal knife” list) |
| Possession before 2017 | Was a Class A misdemeanor | former § 46.05 |
| “Location-restricted knife” — blade over 5.5 inches | Legal to own; restricted where carried | § 46.03 |
| Carrying into a prohibited location (school, polling place, courthouse, bar) | Chargeable even if the knife is otherwise legal | § 46.03 |
| Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully as a weapon | Chargeable | § 46.02 |
| Bringing any knife onto a K-12 campus | School discipline up to expulsion | Education Code § 37.007 |
| Effect on a License to Carry (LTC) | Class C: generally none. Class A or higher: may disqualify | Government Code § 411.172 |
| Texas removed design-specific “illegal knife” bans through HB 1935, effective September 1, 2017; only “location-restricted knives” (blade over 5.5 inches) remain regulated. Sources: Texas Penal Code § 46.05, § 46.03, § 46.02; Education Code § 37.007; Government Code § 411.172. | ||
Have a Texas legal question?
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Call (972) 370-5060In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a butterfly knife concealed in Texas?
Yes, generally. Texas does not have a concealment-specific knife restriction at the state level. The location-restricted knife rules apply whether the knife is carried openly or concealed. Local ordinances vary; some cities (notably Houston historically, though many have updated their ordinances) had concealment rules that may still apply.
What knives are still illegal to own in Texas?
No knives are categorically illegal to own in Texas as of 2026. The 2017 reform removed all the "illegal knife" classifications. The only restrictions are location-based for blades over 5.5 inches and possession-with-intent-to-harm scenarios.
Can I take a butterfly knife on an airplane?
No. Federal TSA rules prohibit knives in carry-on luggage. Knives in checked baggage are generally permitted but must be sheathed and securely wrapped. Federal rules preempt state law in airport security contexts.
What are knife laws like in Texas schools?
Penal Code §46.03 prohibits location-restricted knives (over 5.5 inches) on school property and at school events. School district policies prohibit any knife regardless of length, and possession can result in disciplinary action up to expulsion under Education Code §37.007. Bringing a knife of any kind to school is high risk.
Will a knife conviction affect my CHL/LTC?
Class C knife-related convictions generally do not affect license to carry handgun (LTC) eligibility. Class A or higher knife-related convictions could trigger statutory disqualification under Government Code §411.172. Federal firearm prohibitions may also apply for felony-level convictions.
