Switchblades: Are They Legal In Texas?
Jul 28th 2020
If you're a fan of knives, then you're probably familiar with switchblades. These knives can be opened quickly with the flick of a wrist, and they've been around for centuries. They're incredibly stylish and functional tools, yet many associate them with crime and violence, which makes authorities restrict their carry and ownership.
If you live in Texas and you're planning to purchase a switchblade knife, you must be aware that they are always questioned about their legality. In this blog, we'll tell you all you need to know about their legal status in Texas.
What Is A Switchblade?
A switchblade's spring mechanism powers the blade fully open and into lockdown when activated. Fixed blades have "ZERO" moving parts. At the same time, folding knives are manual, implying that they may only be opened by actual hand movement. The versatility and speed of change blades make them a fantastic all-purpose instrument. They may be used in various professional settings, shaving time away as it becomes important.
Switchblades contain 2 opening mechanisms
- Button: Pressing the button causes the blade to deploy fully and lock into place.
- Slide: Blade will slide out from its hiding place when the switch is turned.
Legal Status Of OTF Switchblades In Texas
In 2017, Texas removed the "Illegal knives" category from House Bill 1935, making it legal to carry switchblades and other types of knives. Instead of placing restrictions on where you can carry a knife, they created a new list of prohibited locations that prohibit you from bringing one on-site, including universities, bars, and schools.
Location Restricted Knives: Longer Than 5.5 Inches
The new law allows people to carry and possess knives in any area that permits them. So, it's important to learn about your local establishments and government regulations surrounding knives. However, some types of knives are illegal because they can cause serious harm, like Trench knives with knuckle dusters or axes and tomahawks.
You can carry knives openly and concealed, as there is no legal precedent against this. It's essential to point out that minors are legally able to carry knives; however, the blades MUST NOT exceed 5.5 inches unless under extraordinary circumstances.
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Shopping for knives with EKnives only takes a couple of clicks. We have a wide variety of knives, from OTF knives and Microtech knives to custom and gravity knives. The best part is that we ship directly to your doorstep! We are authorized dealers of switchblades and custom knives in the USA, so you can trust that you're getting quality products at the best prices.