No, Switchblades are completely legal to carry and own in Texas. And that too, without any special permission or license for anything like that. But if you want to be more sure about the legality aspect of Switchblades in Texas, just keep on reading, and you’ll be good for the most part.
A Quick Look Back
Decades ago, if you had a switchblade on you or in your possession in Texas, you could be fined or jailed. The situation changed in 2013, when the prohibition was removed by the legislative body.
After that, in 2017, the House Bill 1935 came to pass, which eliminated the whole “illegal knives” classification from the law of the state. This change in the law implied that people living in Texas were allowed to possess and carry in public almost any type of knives, like, switchblades, butterfly knives, and others.
Though, like, from 2020 onwards, the law has been very straightforward: no permission is required if you intend to manufacture, sell, carry, or use a switchblade in Texas.
What’s Legal Right Now
As of 2025, switchblades are 100% legal to:
- Own
- Carry (openly or concealed)
- Buy or sell
- Use responsibly
It is true that for this one, you do not need a special license. But the state of Texas still has regulations on where you can carry knives. For instance, a folding blade can not be taken into:
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Airports
- Bars where alcohol is the main business
So, if we talk in the simplest sense, carrying one is fine as long as you are aware of the fact that where you’re going. That’s pretty much it for the legality aspect of carrying it in public.
The 5.5-Inch Rule
Texas has a straightforward rule when it comes to the length of a knife. Yeah? Simply put, a blade that is over 5.5 inches will be referred to as a location-restricted knife.
Which means you are not allowed to bring it to schools, courthouses, polling places, or other areas with restrictions. The majority of switchblades are equipped with shorter blades; hence, they are usually permitted in places almost anywhere.
How Texas Law Sees Switchblades
From a legal perspective, switchblades are considered part of the same category as automatic or spring-assisted knives. They have ceased to be referred to as “illegal weapons”.
Remember, though, that if you employ one to menace, hurt, or frighten someone, it automatically turns into a deadly weapon. Consequently, a knife that is legal can still eventually land you in some heavy felony trouble.
When Legal Still Means Trouble
Owning a switchblade is somewhat and somehow fine, but using it the wrong way can land you in hot water, legally speaking. You could face charges if:
- You use it during a fight or any criminal act.
- You carry it into a restricted place.
- You give it to a minor without parental consent.
Simply threatening someone with a switchblade in an aggressive manner could be classified as the act of “using a deadly weapon”.
Federal Law vs. Texas Law
The Federal Switchblade Act (1958) is a law that disallows the movement or the sale of switchblades to be done across state lines, but is not a law that limits the possession of a switchblade.
Therefore, this is the area where the law of Texas comes into play. Locally, it’s okay to have a switchblade, to bring it along with you, or to make a sale of it. The only thing you have to do is to stay away from an interstate transaction, and it will be fine.
