The legality of butterfly knives, commonly referred to as balisong knives, has long been a source of controversy.
Quick opening and closing is made possible by the two handles of these unusual folding knives that revolve around the blade.
Texas has seen major revisions to its knife laws in recent years, but other states have tight restrictions prohibiting them.
Here is the information you need if you live in Texas or intend to travel there and are unsure if carrying a butterfly knife is permitted.
Are Texas Laws Allowing Butterfly Knives?
Most people in Texas are allowed to carry butterfly knives as of September 1, 2017.
Many varieties of knives, including as switchblades, daggers, and butterfly knives, were no longer restricted when House Bill 1935 was passed.
Accordingly, it is often legal for adults to carry a butterfly knife in public without breaching the law.
Butterfly knives are generally lawful to possess and carry, but there are still some significant limitations that knife owners need to be aware of.
Texas’s Limitations on Butterfly Knife Carrying
Although carrying a butterfly knife is permitted in Texas, there are several places where it is not. Texas Penal Code Section 46.03 states that people are not allowed to carry a knife with a blade longer than 5.5 inches in the following locations:
- Schools and other educational facilities; courthouses and government buildings; and polling stations during elections
- Secure locations and airports
- Amusement parks and correctional institutions
- Weapons are expressly forbidden on private property.
Butterfly knives are typically permitted in public settings because their blades are typically shorter than 5.5 inches.
Is It Illegal to Carry a Butterfly Knife in California? What You Need to Know
The knife is classified as “location-restricted” if the blade is longer than this, which means it cannot be carried in the aforementioned areas.
Is It Possible to Keep a Butterfly Knife Hidden?
Legal blades, including butterfly knives, can be carried both openly and secretly under Texas law.
This implies that, unless you are in a restricted area, you are not breaking state law if you carry a butterfly knife in your pocket, backpack, or on your person.
Is It Illegal for Someone to Carry a Butterfly Knife?
In Texas, it is illegal for some people to carry a butterfly knife. These consist of:
- Convicted felons: Both federal and state laws prohibit people with felony convictions from owning firearms, including several types of knives.
- Although there is no age limit in Texas for carrying a butterfly knife, minors under the age of eighteen should use caution and consult their local laws.
- People with protection orders: People who are subject to a protective or restraining order may not be allowed to carry knives or other weapons.
Local Laws and Factors
Butterfly knives are legal across Texas, however there can be extra restrictions in some localities. For instance, carrying a knife into a public park, recreation area, or business may be prohibited by certain local rules.
If you are unclear about carrying a butterfly knife in a particular location, it is usually wise to check with the local authorities.
Conclusion
According to Texas law, you are allowed to carry a butterfly knife as long as the blade is within the permitted length and you are not in a restricted area.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to keep up with local laws and any changes to the statute. Be sure to carry a butterfly knife responsibly and in accordance with all relevant laws if you intend to do so.
You can enjoy the useful and recreational applications of this unusual folding knife without running afoul of the law if you are aware of Texas’s regulations on butterfly knives.
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