Reviewed September 2026

Texas Knife Laws

In Texas, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Blades over 5.5 inches are "location-restricted": legal to carry generally, but banned in schools, bars, hospitals, and similar places. The blade limit to know: 5.5 inches for location-restricted status.

Switchblades: Legal

Legalized in 2013.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Blades over 5.5 inches are "location-restricted": legal to carry generally, but banned in schools, bars, hospitals, and similar places.

Local Ordinances

Texas has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. The 2017 reform replaced the old illegal-knife list with the location-restricted system.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: Tex. Penal Code §§46.01, 46.02, 46.03

Texas distinguishes knives solely by blade length: a "location-restricted knife" is any blade over 5.5 inches, with no restrictions below that threshold. Most violations are Class C misdemeanors with a maximum $500 fine, but carrying a location-restricted knife into a school is a third-degree felony. McMurrough v. State (1999) set the blade measurement methodology, and Local Government Code §229.001 preempts municipal knife regulation.

Texas Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Texas?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Texas. Legalized in 2013. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Texas?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Texas. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Texas?

Generally yes, within limits: Blades over 5.5 inches are "location-restricted": legal to carry generally, but banned in schools, bars, hospitals, and similar places. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Texas?

The limit to know is 5.5 inches for location-restricted status. The 2017 reform replaced the old illegal-knife list with the location-restricted system.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Texas

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Texas. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, or read our guide to the best knives in Texas, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.