Texas is recognized as one of the most knife-friendly states in the U.S., but there are important legal distinctions and restrictions every resident and visitor should know to stay compliant with the law.
Legal Definitions and Categories
- Knife: Any bladed hand instrument capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death.
- Location-Restricted Knife: Any knife with a blade over 5.5 inches in length. This category includes large fixed-blade knives, machetes, daggers, and Bowie kniv.
Ownership and Carry Laws
- Broad Ownership: Texas law allows for the ownership and possession of nearly all types of knives, including switchblades, daggers, Bowie knives, butterfly knives, and throwing knives. There are no statewide restrictions on purchasing or owning these knives.
- Open and Concealed Carry: Both open and concealed carry of knives with blades 5.5 inches or less is legal almost everywhere in Texas for adults and juveniles.
- Location-Restricted Knives: Knives with blades over 5.5 inches can be legally owned and carried by adults, but their carry is restricted in certain locations.
Restricted Locations for Knives Over 5.5 Inches
You cannot carry a location-restricted knife (blade over 5.5 inches) in these places:
- Schools and educational institutions (including colleges and universities)
- Polling places during voting
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Correctional facilities
- Amusement parks
- Bars and restaurants deriving more than 51% of their income from alcohol sales
- Places of worship (some restrictions have been relaxed since 2021)
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Sporting event facilities
Note: Carrying a location-restricted knife in a prohibited place is typically a Class C misdemeanor (maximum $500 fine), but carrying one on school property is a felony.
Age Restrictions
- Under 18: Minors cannot carry a location-restricted knife (blade over 5.5 inches) unless supervised by a parent or guardian or engaged in lawful hunting, fishing, or sporting activities.
- 18 and Older: Adults can carry any legal knife, subject to location restrictions.
Statewide Preemption
- Texas law preempts local knife ordinances, meaning cities and counties cannot impose stricter knife regulations than those set by the state. This ensures uniformity across Texas and prevents patchwork local laws.
- Exceptions exist for regulations during emergencies or for law enforcement purposes.
Self-Defense and Use
- Knives are legal tools for self-defense in Texas. The state’s Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws apply, allowing reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect oneself or others from imminent harm.
Recent and Pending Legal Changes
- Since 2017, Texas has removed most restrictions on knife types, including switchblades and Bowie knives.
- The “location-restricted knife” category was added in 2019, focusing restrictions on blade length and specific locations.
- As of 2025, reforms are being considered to further clarify or relax restrictions, especially in restaurants and amusement parks, but these have not yet become law.
Texas Knife Laws (2025)
| Knife Type/Action | Legal Status | Notes/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Own any knife | Legal | No statewide restrictions |
| Carry blade ≤ 5.5 inches | Legal almost everywhere | Adults and juveniles |
| Carry blade > 5.5 inches | Legal, but location restricted | See restricted locations above |
| Carry in restricted place | Illegal (Class C misdemeanor/felony) | Felony if on school property |
| Under 18 w/ large knife | Illegal unless supervised/excepted | Lawful sporting activities allowed |
| Open/concealed carry | Both legal (where not restricted) | |
| Local knife ordinances | Preempted by state law | Uniform rules statewide |
Key Takeaways
- Most knives are legal to own and carry in Texas, but blade length and location matter.
- Knives over 5.5 inches are “location-restricted” and cannot be carried in certain public places.
- State law overrides local ordinances, ensuring consistency across Texas.
- Minors face additional restrictions regarding large knives.
- Violations can result in fines or, in some cases, felony charges.
Always check the latest updates to Texas law and be mindful of restricted locations to avoid legal trouble.
Sources
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/texas/
- https://www.tosahwi.com/blogs/texas-knife-laws
- https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/04/18/what-are-the-laws-around-carrying-blades-knives-in-texas/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/knifeclub/comments/w6nstm/anybody_know_the_knife_laws_in_texas/
- https://www.zbknives.store/blogs/news/can-you-carry-a-knife-in-texas-understanding-the-law
