Auto knives legal in Texas?

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Shortstuff95

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Jul 13, 2013
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I just found out that autos were legal in Texas. Does this mean that all of them are under the blade limit including out the fronts? Now I'm gonna have to get one. Can I get some suggestions for ones around the $300 mark, preferably out the front. Thanks
 
Keep in mind, not ALL switchblades will be legal. The blade can't be a dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard. Also the blade length cant be over 5.5" (not really an issue). Plus auto's won't be legal till September 1st.

That being said, Micotech has a great selection of OTF autos. Check out the Ultratechs and Troodons
 
FearAgent said:
Keep in mind, not ALL switchblades will be legal. The blade can't be a dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard. Also the blade length cant be over 5.5" (not really an issue). Plus auto's won't be legal till September 1st.
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:thumbup:

Here are two other caveats to add:
1. This was state law that was changed. The new law does not have "preemption" so if you live in a county or city with a prohibition against switchblades, you still can't have them. Granted, because up until now mere possession was prohibited at the state level, it is extremely unlikely cities would have specific switchblade bans, but just wanted to mention it. Also, switchblades may still be in violation of a city's regular knife laws for reasons like length or blade locking (San Antonio comes to mind).
2. It is still illegal for a merchant outside Texas to sell autos to anyone living there (federal interstate commerce law is still in effect).
 
So basically unless you go outside of Texas to buy, it's going to be harder to find all the autos you want?
 
I haven't been able to find anything specific to Houston, so I'm guessing there's no laws on a city level where I live. I'm liking the microtech ultratech but I'd like to actually be able to use it so could y'all recommend blade shapes. I'm guessing the double edged ones will still be illegal? Correct me if I'm wrong.
 
Balisongs are good to go as long as they meet all other state laws in place - no double edge, less than 5.5 inches in length


exceptions
- San Antonio - no locking blades - don't know how they will treat balisongs since technically when fully opened the blade is "locked" in place
- Corpus Christi - max 3 inch blade length on folders (and no fixed blades of any length)
- Dallas - max 4 inch blade length

Since the pre-emption bill did not pass, any jurisdiction can still pass regulations with more strict limits than state law. I expect SA and CC to do just that.

Edit - 12/28/2013 - I learned today that CC code actually reads "UNDER 3 inches", not 3 inches or less. The Dallas law is a COUNTY ordnance about Dallas County property. Dallas city codes ban ANY knives in parks and libraries and most if not all city facilities.
 
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Shortstuff95 said:
I haven't been able to find anything specific to Houston, so I'm guessing there's no laws on a city level where I live. I'm liking the microtech ultratech but I'd like to actually be able to use it so could y'all recommend blade shapes. I'm guessing the double edged ones will still be illegal? Correct me if I'm wrong.
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Drop point or Tanto would be best for use. All of the double edged versions are still illegal, so no dagger or bayonet

Shortstuff95 said:
Oh and do these new laws apply to balisongs too?
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In Texas, a "Switchblade knife" means any knife that has a blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath, and that:

(A) opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or other device located on the handle; or

(B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal force.

So according to Texas Penal code chapter 46.01 part 11 B, a balisong is a switchblade. After September 1st, balisongs in general will legal.
 
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zzyzzogeton said:
Balisongs are good to go as long as they meet all other state laws in place - no double edge, less than 5.5 inches in length


exceptions
- San Antonio - no locking blades - don't know how they will treat balisongs since technically when fully opened the blade is "locked" in place
- Corpus Christi - max 3 inch blade length on folders (and no fixed blades of any length)
- Dallas - max 4 inch blade length

Since the pre-emption bill did not pass, any jurisdiction can still pass regulations with more strict limits than state law. I expect SA and CC to do just that.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. Looks like I'm gonna be spending a lot more on knives in the next couple months haha.
 
from what I can gather by reading the ordinances, dallas county has a 4inch blade limit on knives ordinance on county property and the city of dallas has zero knife tolerance in their building city/court or jail. other than that state law applies.
 
I recently learned that Houston has an ordinance that prohibits the possession of knives on city property, without any description of exactly what constitutes "city property". One reference concerned city owned parking garages. Another was in reference to someone questioning about whether the ordinance applied to city owned side walks and streets, with obviously no one knowing details. Apparently the ordinance has been in effect for a few years. Still trying to get definitive info on it.

Just another example of why a pre-emption law is needed.
 
FearAgent said:
Keep in mind, not ALL switchblades will be legal. The blade can't be a dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard. Also the blade length cant be over 5.5" (not really an issue). Plus auto's won't be legal till September 1st.

That being said, Micotech has a great selection of OTF autos. Check out the Ultratechs and Troodons
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That leaves my Infidel out.
 
Here in Louisiana where I live Automatic Knives are illegal to carry but are legal to sell and buy. I have several.
 
For recommendations, I really like my Microtech Ultratech, though sounds like you'd need a different blade style (mine is a bayonet). Then again, mine isn't even legal to own here in Michigan, so I left it with a friend in Florida for when I'm down there (with my pistol carry license, it's legal to carry down there too).

For the Balisongs, if you don't have the same blade restrictions, check out the Benchmade 62 (Wee-Hawk style). Very cool knife, one of my favorite Bali's (and I've got a BUNCH of those). If the blade is a problem, the 63 is a nice Bowie style blade.
 
zzyzzogeton said:
I recently learned that Houston has an ordinance that prohibits the possession of knives on city property, without any description of exactly what constitutes "city property". One reference concerned city owned parking garages. Another was in reference to someone questioning about whether the ordinance applied to city owned side walks and streets, with obviously no one knowing details. Apparently the ordinance has been in effect for a few years. Still trying to get definitive info on it.

Just another example of why a pre-emption law is needed.
Click to expand...

I believe this would apply to places such as City Hall, municipal courts, city owned golf courses, etc... Basically if it has "City of ____" somewhere in the name that's probably what it's referring to.
 
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