Texas Is Knife-Friendly — But Not Without Rules
Texas has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. In 2017, House Bill 1935 removed most restrictions on knife types and blade lengths, making it legal to openly carry almost any knife — including automatic knives, OTF knives, Bowie knives, swords, and daggers.
But "most permissive" does not mean "no rules." Location-based restrictions still apply, and understanding those boundaries keeps you on the right side of the law.
What Changed in 2017
Before HB 1935, Texas classified knives with blades over 5.5 inches as "illegal knives." The new law reclassified them as "location-restricted knives" — legal to own and carry in most places but prohibited in specific locations.
This change legalized open carry of:
- Swords and machetes
- Bowie knives
- Daggers and dirks
- Throwing knives of any size
- Any knife with a blade longer than 5.5 inches
What About Automatic Knives and OTFs?
Automatic knives, OTF knives, and switchblades are legal in Texas with no blade length restriction for adults 18 and over. You can buy, own, carry (open or concealed), and sell them.
This includes:
- Side-opening automatic knives (switchblades)
- Out-the-front (OTF) knives — both single and dual action
- Spring-assisted opening knives
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
Brass Knuckles Are Legal Too
In 2019, Texas legalized brass knuckles under HB 446. Previously classified as prohibited weapons, knuckles are now legal to own and carry in Texas for anyone 18 and older.
Location Restrictions
Knives with blades over 5.5 inches (location-restricted knives) cannot be carried in:
- Schools and school grounds (K-12)
- Polling places on election day
- Courts and court offices
- Racetracks
- Secured areas of airports
- Churches, synagogues, and other places of worship (unless authorized)
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities
- Amusement parks
- Establishments that derive 51 percent or more of revenue from alcohol (bars)
Knives with blades under 5.5 inches — including automatics, OTFs, and folders — can be carried virtually anywhere in Texas with no location restrictions beyond federal properties.
Age Requirements
- 18 and over — No restrictions on knife type or carry method
- Under 18 — Cannot carry location-restricted knives (blades over 5.5 inches) and cannot purchase automatic knives in most retail environments
Concealed vs. Open Carry
Texas allows both concealed and open carry of all legal knives, including location-restricted knives in permitted areas. There is no separate concealed carry permit required for knives.
The Bottom Line for Texas Residents
If you are 18 or older in Texas, you can carry virtually any knife — OTF, automatic, butterfly, fixed blade, sword — openly or concealed, with the only restriction being specific locations for blades over 5.5 inches.
Texas is home to South Summit, and we ship to Texas residents with confidence. Browse our full catalog knowing that everything we sell is legal to own and carry in the Lone Star State.