EDC Fixed Blade to Meet Texas Location-Restricted Length?

J

jkort

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May 26, 2006
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Long-time reader; first post. I tried searching the forums and didn't find an answer to my question. In Texas, we have location-restricted knives (blade length over 5.5 inches). I would like to find a fixed blade for EDC that comes in just under that restriction. Per https://kniferights.org/hb-1935-bottom-line/ , length is determined by:
Based on Texas judicial precedent, blade length is measured in a straight line from the most forward part of the handle (or where that would normally be if there is no added handle to the tang of the knife) to the point of the blade.
In shopping online, it seems some knife descriptions of blade length are only referring to the sharpened edge, so in reality might still exceed 5.5 inches by law. Not being able to see them in person is a problem.
Looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced fixed blade (< $150 - I have a wife!) that comes in just under the location restricted length with good carry options for a LEFTY. In addition to belt carry I would like to be able to carry IWB, maybe SOB when more discretion is appropriate. Possibly use a static line to unsheath, if sheath has attachment points? So a handle that is not too thick, but has good grip for older stiff hands?

Appreciate the knowledge gained here on an almost daily basis! Looking forward to any and all input!
 
Knifecenter has an ESEE 5P on sale now for $156, marked down from $276. 5.25”, 5” sharpened.
 
You’ll need to look up the specific law, but you can carry pretty much anything you want now. Some places like schools and other places, you are relegated to a blade no longer than 5.5”.
I wouldn’t go into government buildings with anything.
I need to reread the laws myself.
 
Steely_Gunz said:
For a second I was envisioning the mine, and I was like, "Damn, Texans trust but verify that whole eyes in the back of your head thing."
Click to expand...

My family is from east and north (Houston and Dallas areas) but my grandfather carried an NAA 5 shot .22mag revolver in his pocket, and a 5" barrel S&W model (which I now own). He also carried a folding knife clipped to his pocket. I inherited a lot of those traits, though I carry a 9mm in my car and on my hip. Normally a Sig P365x SAS with 14 round mag and a Steyr M9-A1 in the car.
 
The Esee 5 is just about as much knife as you can get under 5.5 inches, the sheath is perfectly ambidextrous, and it can be found for right around $150 if you look around. It's also very heavy, doesn't cut all that well, has thick handles, and probably isn't the best choice for IWB... But it's my go to for when I want the most knife and can't take something location restricted.

Whichever knife you go for, when purchasing online my advice is that you stick to knives that are advertised as 5.25 inches or under. That way, if the knife is over the advertised length you still have room to work with.

isEgcfm.jpg



Also no, you can't carry anything anywhere. There are still (very limited) restrictions.
 
As of now, or very recently, the law is still in effect limiting carry to some locations. I read that some legislators will try to remove this restriction in the next legislative session.
What you wish to carry though is still a personal decision. If I was going to EDC a fixed blade of that size my taste would push me towards something like a Bravo 1LT or a Bradford Guardian 5. There are a lot of knives of that type on the market to choose from.
 
Thanks for all the replies!
To be clear, yes I could carry that Bagwell Bowie on my wishlist most anywhere, but over 5.5 inches is illegal still in bars or restaurants that make 51% from alcohol, school functions, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. I want to carry the most knife that I can without having to worry about that.
The Bravo 1LT and Bradford Guardian 5 look great, but exceed my budget for now.
Thanks for the pic of the ESEE 5 against the tape...that looks like a solid choice given my budget.
 
jkort said:
Looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced fixed blade (< $150 - I have a wife!)
Click to expand...
Does that amount have to cover a knife for her too, or does she have her own knife money?

None of my business, just wondering’.

Parker
 
Lionsteel T5, listed at 5.04", would fall just inside the edge limit of yours, even if you account for almost another 1/2" of wiggle room to the handle.
Gorgeous italian knife, good all around steel (Niolox), and a very well done leather sheath for a production knife.
I almost got one myself but opted for the very similar but slightly smaller M5 (4.53"), with a Sleipner blade, and I absolutely love it for an EDC fixed blade!

Here's an older thread about 'em, with a dealer video and pics, incl. a picture of a few knives, incl. the T5 & M5, next to a (metric) tape measure... You can clearly see that at worst it might cheat up to 13cm from handle to tip, and that's pushing it.
13cm = 5.12", so still well into your legal zone w/ over 1/4" to spare.

T5

I prefer this "tumbled" coated finish variety on the T5 more than the smooth DLC type of finish on the M7. I think Uncle Matty is gonna get himself one of them beauties :D
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com

Added, you can find them for <$150, but I can't tell you where because they aren't a site supporting dealer...
 
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C catspa - the free Remington folder she got years ago with a package of 22LR is all the knife she needs. She can't understand why I'd need more than one knife.
strategy9 strategy9 - that Lionsteel T5 looks sweet! Thanks.
Sadly, budget may have dropped to $0. Vet said late yesterday my 2 y.o. Pittie mix (sweetest dog I've ever owned) may have a ruptured ACL. :(
 
She sounds like a keeper, along with her .22 and her knife. You got lucky, many happy years to you.

Parker
 
bdmicarta said:
As of now, or very recently, the law is still in effect limiting carry to some locations. I read that some legislators will try to remove this restriction in the next legislative session.
What you wish to carry though is still a personal decision. If I was going to EDC a fixed blade of that size my taste would push me towards something like a Bravo 1LT or a Bradford Guardian 5. There are a lot of knives of that type on the market to choose from.
Click to expand...
Westlaw says that "location restricted" is still the law in Texas. So far, nothing has been introduced in the current legislature to amend the blade restriction.
 
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