Laws in Texas?

S

Silencer420

Joined
Oct 9, 2001
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Just like the title says...I live in Texas and I want to get a balisong but I don't know what the laws are in Texas about carrying these knives. So if any fellow Texans can give me some insight I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks :)
 
I have the entire TX penal code chapter 46 (weapons) on disk somewhere I'll email it to you when I find it.
 
Well unfortunately the way Texas laws describe "switchblade knife" or "gravity knife" includes Balisongs. Anything that can be opened with one hand by using gravity or a snap of the wrist in order to deploy the blade, falls under this category. I have had many talks with LEO's about knife carry (one incident where I was pulled out of my car and frisked because they saw my CQC7 clipped to the back of my seat). The officers relaxed when I told them I was a collector and used to sell knives (also because I knew exactly what THEY where carrying just from looking at their pocket clip). I have never been caught carrying a Balisong, but I am sure that I would not get off as easily, and my Bali would definitely be confiscated so I am very cautious. When I do take my Balisong somewhere I make sure to have my armor's kit to show that the knife is a hobby and that I am not carrying it with malicious intent. Malevolence is an officers first suspicion when they see a knife, you have to prove that you are nothing they need to worry about.;)
 
I never knew it was defined as a switchblade there...
But Texas is also a big place, adn LEOs do things differently in different places. I've known people who got in trouble for normal folding knives, because of intent, but I've also seen people carry other stuff, and be let off with a warning once the LEO judges him to not be threatening. Especially with all the gun shows etc in the area. I've seen people go relatively unmolested that were carrying regular switchblades. I was in Houston, which can go either way. Usually if you're compliant and polite and PATIENT the LEOs will return the favor after the initial getting to know you part of the interview.

Personally, I find the laws to be a little strange. I just moved to MA (yeah, damn yankee now, I know) and you can have balis shipped to TX but not carry, whereas here you can't have em shipped, but you can belt-carry.
 
Yes the laws are strange here in Texas. For example: My Brother was going to a Civil War convention, dressed as a confederate. My brother has Epilepsy so he is not able to drive, well having to walk to the buss station I guess he looked a little strange:rolleyes: I guess the officers wanted to check him out and make sure he wasn't crazy. In an attempt to complete his attire he felt that he needed to carry his straight razor (which complimented his outfit perfectly)After explaining that he was going to the convention not far down the road they searched him and found his razor. Apparently the LEO's in this case where way under their quota (no offense to any LEO's I'm a big fan:D ) because they took him downtown without any hesitation!

In my previous post I commented on my outstanding track record with LEO's around here, allow me to clarify that I have not been detained or observed for possession of any ILLEGAL weapon, this includes the Balisong. My extremely good fortune with these Gentlemen have ALWAYS occurred while carrying legal blades (even though a CQC7 is a bit tactical for EDC, it's legal). So please do everything you can to avoid being detained over such a small preference.
 
Oh, and Lothar: While it is'nt actually classified as a Switchblade Knife it falls under the same rules because of the way they define Switchblade Knife.:confused: I fail to see the logic in this as I can open my CQC7 with what seems to be considerably less effort than my balisong (the balisong requires skill and the use of a few more muscles)
 
Thanks alot for the info...I talked to a police officer that patrols are school (I am a senior in H.S.) and he said it was considered a gravity knife that can be opened with one hand, but he said there are many lockblade knives that open with one hand. He didn't mind aslong as I kept it to myself and didn't just start flipping it around. This is the first school I have been to that you are allowed to carry knives of any sort. But this is hicksville...lol again thanks.
 
There aren't many lockblades that can be opened with one hand?

Did that particular LEO still wear skins and carry an old thighbone for use as a club?

Good one handed lockbacks have been around for a loooooooooooooooong time!

Not that I want that being brought into play in any legal way... don't want em taking those away, too...
 
I think you may have misread Lothar, he said the ARE many lockblade knives that open onehanded. And yeah, the only knife I have a hard time opening with one hand is a Swiss Army knife.:D

I'm not sure why there is such a worry about opening your knife with one hand, it's really a matter of whether or not someone is out there to hurt someone with it, a knife is a knife and that's all there is to it. We're creating the wrong rules to protect ourselves from these types crimes as our recent tragedy shows. (Makes me wonder what would have happened if there had been a "Team Balisong" on that tragic flight). I do hope I did not offend anyone by that remark.
 
What I meant was that you can flip some lockblades out with one hand. I know I can with a couple of them if I flip them hard enough, the only ones I can't are the cheap, older ones that I used to abuse. I don't really plan on taking a balisong to school, I just really would like to start to collect and use one properlly. And 7Cain I belive firmly that the outcome would have been different if the passangers were armed with some type of weapon to fight with. But thats just my opinion. Thanks again for all the responses.
 
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