San Antonio lock blade law

R

redrover66

Joined
Jul 24, 2004
Messages
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I just got back from SA where my son in law informed me that SA has a ban on any knives with locking blades. I don't know the penalty but it seems a little strange that a city can ban knives that are legal within state law. I bet more lock blades and full autos were sold at the monthly gun show than you can carry in a pick up truck.
I tried to access the City web site for information but could get none. I sure hate to think I have to stop carrying a lock blade and just rely on a .40 at my back and a .32 in my shoe.
Does anyone know why the famous Cisneros( sp) and his bunch passed this thing years back, something about gang stabbings, I was told. Does anyone know the penalty or defense for carrying?
red
 
Looks accurate. See here and scroll down:

http://library11.municode.com/gateway.dll/tx/texas/11044/11197/11198?f=templates$fn=default.htm$up=1$3.0

Sec. 21-17. Certain knives prohibited generally; exceptions; penalty for violation.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally or knowingly carry on or about his person a knife with a blade less than five and one-half (5 1/2) inches in length, which knife is equipped with a lock mechanism so that upon opening, it becomes a fixed blade knife.
(b) The above prohibition set forth in subsection (a) shall not be applicable to a person carrying such a knife:
(1) In the actual discharge of his duties as a peace officer, a member of the armed forces or national guard, or a guard employed by a penal institution;
(2) On his own premises or premises under his control;
(3) Traveling;
(4) Engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or other lawful sporting activity; or
(5) Using such a knife in connection with a lawful occupation, during such utilization.
(Code 1959, § 26-28.1)
Cross references: Regulation of firearms and weapons, § 21-151 et seq.; possession of a knife, § 21-155.

I would be carrying mine for work -"lawful occupation" - to open packages, boxes, etc. so that would be my rationalization :rolleyes:.
 
I heard that from a clerk at a gun and knife store.... assumed it was BS or didn't apply to me.... :D I wear my 110 everywhere. I live at Canyon Lake but travel to SA and around most every day. No hassles or comments. But then, I look like a good ol' boy and don't act like a butthead unless I must. I also have a ready answer as I live on 7 acres in the Hill Country AND am am active archaeologist and outdoorsman. Being real polite to LEOs pays off big too....
 
Let me get this straight...

It's illegal to have a folding knife with a blade LESS than 5.5"?

Knife laws are often backwards, but this is backwards in the other direction. Are they are lot of people carrying CS Vaquero Grandes and Cuda MAXXs and Aftermaths? :D
 
From what I've heard of the law's history, in the '70s a lot of gangs were carrying 110s and similar knives, and the city decided it was easier to ban the troublesome "weapon" instead of directly prosecuting the thugs (a la the '50s Federal Switchblade laws). Hell, the only time I've visited San Antone (over ten years ago) I was carrying a Benchmade Leopard, and since I didn't run into any cops,it was no problem. I never heard about the law until I started hanging out here.

Matt in Texas
 
It's amazing to me that the city wherein Jim Bowie gave his life resisting a dictator any knife at all would be banned. I would think people would be required to carry a knife in San Antonio, if only to honor the heroes of the Alamo.
 
Lost Jaguar said:
It's amazing to me that the city wherein Jim Bowie gave his life resisting a dictator any knife at all would be banned. I would think people would be required to carry a knife in San Antonio, if only to honor the heroes of the Alamo.
Click to expand...

Hell, carrying a real-sized Bowie anywhere in Texas can get you in trouble with the Law! (The only "sorta" exceptions I've "heard of" (but can't find in the lawbooks) are for camping and/or hunting, and I'd imagine for historical re-enactors.)

Matt in Texas
 
redrover66 said:
I just got back from SA where my son in law informed me that SA has a ban on any knives with locking blades. I don't know the penalty but it seems a little strange that a city can ban knives that are legal within state law. I bet more lock blades and full autos were sold at the monthly gun show than you can carry in a pick up truck.
I tried to access the City web site for information but could get none. I sure hate to think I have to stop carrying a lock blade and just rely on a .40 at my back and a .32 in my shoe.
Does anyone know why the famous Cisneros( sp) and his bunch passed this thing years back, something about gang stabbings, I was told. Does anyone know the penalty or defense for carrying?
red
Click to expand...


My family and I are possibly moving there from San Diego, CA.

So let me get this straight, I may be able to acquire a CCW, and even own firearms that haven't been legal to own in CA since I was a child, but I'm not going to be able to carry a folding knife that locks?

My world keeps getting stranger and stranger...

If anyone has any information or links to information they could share with me about TX and San Antonio knife and gun laws, I'd appreciate it. I already found the rather alarming bit about the locking folders but I'm looking for more data prior to our move date (most likely around November).

Even non-knife/gun info would be welcome.
:D

Thanks,
Bren
 
Man, that's government for ya! Always trying to repeal the laws of God and nature ..... and when that doesn't work, just going against common sense.
 
IIRC, Texas has a state law banning carrying knives over 5.5," which would mean the only thing legal in San Antonio is a fixed blade under 5.5," assuming that city law only covers folders.

I also thought Texas had a state preemption law, prohibiting cities from passing more restrictive weapons laws than the state laws. Not sure if that only applies to guns though. This was discussed once before in the AKTI forum, but I don't think any clear conclusions were drawn there.
 
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