What Knives Are Illegal in Texas? Weapons Possession Defense Guide
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What Texas knife law looked like before 2017
Pre-2017 Texas Penal Code §46.05 listed several "illegal knives" that were Class A misdemeanors to possess:
- Switchblade and gravity knives
- Daggers
- Bowie knives
- Throwing knives
- Hand instruments designed to cut or stab by being thrown
- Knives with blades over 5.5 inches (in some contexts)
Possession of any of these was criminal regardless of intent. The 2013 reform (HB 1862) had already legalized switchblades. The 2017 HB 1935 went further and removed the entire "illegal knife" category, replacing it with the location-restricted knife framework.
Current Texas knife law structure
Two restrictions apply under current law:
1. Location-restricted knives (Penal Code §46.03). Knives with blades over 5.5 inches are prohibited in:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Polling places on election day
- Government meetings
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals and mental health facilities
- Amusement parks
- Religious places of worship (limited)
- Bars (51% establishments)
- Courtrooms
- Racetracks
- Sporting events
Class C misdemeanor (up to $500) base offense, with enhancements in some locations.
2. Unlawful carrying of weapons (§46.02). Carrying a knife in a manner suggesting intent to use as a weapon for unlawful purposes can produce charges, but standard carrying for utility purposes is legal.
Beyond these two restrictions, knife possession in Texas is generally unrestricted.
Common myths about Texas knife law
Several persistent myths about Texas knife law:
"Switchblades are illegal." False. Legal since 2013.
"Butterfly knives are illegal." False. Legal since 2017.
"You can't carry a fixed-blade knife concealed." False. Texas does not have a fixed-blade concealment restriction at the state level.
"There's a maximum legal blade length." Partially. There's no general maximum, but blades over 5.5 inches face location restrictions.
"You need a permit to carry a knife." False. No knife permit exists or is required in Texas.
"You can't open carry a knife." False. Open carry of any legal knife is generally permitted (subject to location restrictions for over-5.5-inch blades).
The current Texas knife law is among the most permissive in the United States. Most pre-2017 restrictions no longer exist.
Where knife charges still arise
Despite the liberalized law, knife-related charges still occur in three contexts:
1. Knife use in assaults. Penal Code Chapter 22 (Assault) escalates charges when a "deadly weapon" is used. Most knives qualify as deadly weapons in assault contexts. A simple assault becomes aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (second-degree felony) when a knife is used.
2. School and government building incidents. Bringing knives to schools, polling places, courthouses, or other restricted locations produces charges under §46.03 even if the knife is otherwise legal.
3. Threats and brandishing. Drawing a knife in a threatening manner can produce assault, terroristic threat, or disorderly conduct charges depending on circumstances.
Standard pocket-knife carry, ownership, sale, and use for utility purposes is generally lawful. The legal exposure focuses on weaponized use, restricted locations, and intent.
What Texas knife law actually restricts (2026)
| Scenario | Legal status in Texas | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Any knife design — switchblade, butterfly, gravity, dagger, dirk, stiletto, Bowie, throwing | Legal to own | HB 1935 (2017); HB 1862 (2013) |
| Pocket / utility knife carry, blade 5.5 inches or less | Legal — no permit required | no design ban remains |
| “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 legal | § 46.03 |
| Carrying with intent to use it unlawfully as a weapon | Chargeable | § 46.02 |
| Using a knife in an assault | Simple assault becomes aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (second-degree felony) | § 22.02 |
| As of 2026 no knife design is illegal to own in Texas; HB 1935 (2017) repealed the “illegal knife” category and HB 1862 (2013) legalized switchblades. Only “location-restricted knives” (blade over 5.5 inches) remain regulated. Sources: Texas Penal Code § 46.03, § 46.02, § 22.02. | ||
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
Is there any knife I can't legally own in Texas?
No, as a matter of design or type. The 2017 reform was comprehensive. Items combining knives with other prohibited weapons (like a knife-gun combination) may face restrictions for the other component, but pure knife designs are unrestricted.
What about a knife with a blade over 5.5 inches?
Legal to own. The over-5.5-inch threshold creates location restrictions, not possession restrictions. You can have a 6-inch knife in your home, vehicle, or most public places. You cannot carry it into a school, polling place, courthouse, etc.
Can I carry a knife to defend myself?
Yes. Texas self-defense law (Penal Code Chapter 9) protects defensive use of force. The knife being legal to carry does not affect the self-defense analysis — what matters is whether the use of force was reasonable. A knife used defensively is treated like any other defensive instrument.
What's the difference between knife carry and gun carry in Texas?
Knife carry is generally less regulated than firearm carry. There's no knife permit equivalent to the License to Carry (LTC). Knives don't face the same firearm prohibitions for felons (though carrying a knife in a manner suggesting weapon intent can produce charges). The location restrictions for knives are similar to but not identical to firearm location restrictions.
Are there other knife laws I should know about?
Federal restrictions apply on federal property, in airports (TSA rules), and for interstate switchblade commerce. Local ordinances in some Texas cities may impose additional restrictions, particularly historically. Workplace policies of private employers can prohibit any knife on premises regardless of state law.
References & Statutes
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