Are Switchblades Illegal in Texas? Knife Laws 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 2013 and 2017 reforms
Texas knife law underwent two major liberalizations over four years:
HB 1862 (2013). Repealed the switchblade-specific prohibition in Penal Code §46.05. After September 1, 2013, switchblades, automatic-opening knives, and similar designs became legal to possess.
HB 1935 (2017). Restructured the entire knife code. Removed the "illegal knife" category entirely. Replaced it with a "location-restricted knife" framework based on blade length (5.5 inches), with restrictions only in specific public locations.
The combined effect: as of 2026, no knife design is illegal to own in Texas. Switchblades, butterfly knives, gravity knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, Bowie knives, and throwing knives are all legal. Restrictions apply only to where you can carry knives over 5.5 inches.
Federal switchblade law
Texas legalized switchblades, but federal law did not. The federal Switchblade Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. §1241-1245) prohibits the interstate sale and shipment of switchblades, with exceptions for military and government use.
Practical effect:
- Buying a switchblade in Texas: Legal under state law.
- Buying a switchblade online and shipping to Texas: May implicate the federal Switchblade Act if interstate commerce is involved.
- Crossing state lines with a switchblade: Texas departure is fine; the destination state may have its own law.
- Federal property: Federal buildings, parks, military bases may prohibit switchblades regardless of state law.
Most retail sales of switchblades in Texas are legal under both state and federal law because they involve in-state purchase from compliant retailers. Mail-order sales across state lines are the area where federal restrictions can apply.
Where switchblades remain restricted
Texas Penal Code §46.03 prohibits "location-restricted knives" (blades over 5.5 inches) in:
- Schools and educational institutions
- 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
- Racetracks
- Sporting events
Most folding switchblades have blades under 5.5 inches and avoid these restrictions. Larger automatic knives (some tactical models, OTF knives with longer blades) can fall within the location-restricted category.
Additional contexts where switchblade carry can still produce charges:
- Carrying with intent to use as a weapon for unlawful purposes — Penal Code §46.02 prohibits unlawful carry of weapons by certain prohibited persons.
- Workplace policies — private employers can prohibit any weapon on premises.
- Federal facilities — federal weapons prohibitions preempt state law.
Texas switchblade law at a glance (2026)
| Scenario | Legal status in Texas | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Owning or carrying a switchblade / automatic / OTF knife, blade 5.5 inches or less | Legal since September 1, 2013 | HB 1862 (repealed the § 46.05 switchblade ban) |
| Possession before 2013 | Was a Class A misdemeanor | former § 46.05 |
| Switchblade with a blade over 5.5 inches (“location-restricted knife”) | Legal to own; restricted where carried | § 46.03 |
| Carrying into a prohibited location (school, polling place, courthouse) | Chargeable even if the knife is otherwise legal | § 46.03 |
| Carrying with intent to use it unlawfully as a weapon | Chargeable | § 46.02 |
| Buying or shipping a switchblade across state lines | May implicate the federal Switchblade Act | 15 U.S.C. § 1241 to 1245 |
| Bringing a knife onto a K-12 campus | School discipline up to expulsion | Education Code § 37.007 |
| Texas legalized switchblade possession through HB 1862 (September 1, 2013); HB 1935 (2017) removed the remaining “illegal knife” category. Federal law still limits interstate sale. Sources: Texas Penal Code § 46.05, § 46.03, § 46.02; 15 U.S.C. § 1241 to 1245; Education Code § 37.007. | ||
Have a Texas legal question?
Call L and L Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We handle criminal defense across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
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 switchblade concealed in Texas?
Yes. Texas does not have a switchblade-specific concealment restriction at the state level. The location-restricted knife rules (for blades over 5.5 inches) apply whether the knife is carried openly or concealed. Local ordinances may vary.
Are OTF (out-the-front) automatic knives legal?
Yes. OTF knives are switchblades by mechanism, and the 2013 reform legalized switchblade possession in Texas. Larger OTF knives (over 5.5 inch blade) face location restrictions but not possession restrictions.
Can minors own switchblades in Texas?
Texas state law does not prohibit minors from owning switchblades. The location-restricted knife rules apply regardless of age. School policies under Education Code §37.007 prohibit any knife on campus, with disciplinary consequences. Parental authority is the practical regulatory pathway for minors.
What about gravity knives and similar mechanisms?
All previously prohibited mechanisms (gravity, automatic, butterfly, balisong) are legal under current Texas law. The 2017 HB 1935 reform was design-neutral; the only criterion now is blade length and location.
Will a knife conviction affect federal firearm rights?
A misdemeanor knife-related conviction generally does not affect federal firearm eligibility. A felony conviction (which under current law would require an enhancement beyond a typical knife offense) triggers federal firearm prohibition under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1).
