Scimitars, Sabers and Samurai Swords, Oh My! Texas’s New Open Carry of Blades Law

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Effective September 1, 2017, and pursuant to House Bill 1935, Texans over the age of eighteen will be permitted to open carry knives with blades longer than five and one-half inches.  Instead of prohibiting the carrying of an “illegal” knife, defined in the prior version of the law as “a knife with a blade over five and one-half inches,” including, without limitation, daggers, dirks, stilettos, poniards, bowie knives, swords, or spears, the new law focuses on public places where these types of blades (now known as “location-restricted knives”) cannot be open carried. 
 
More specifically, under HB 1935, a person commits a felony of the third degree if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a location-restricted knife on the physical premises of a school or educational facility; on the premises of a polling place on the day of an election or while early voting is taking place; on the premises of any court buildings or court offices, or racetracks; or in or into the secured area of an airport. 
 
The new law provides that a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a location-restricted knife into a bar; on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event is taking place; on the premises of a correctional facility, hospital, mental hospital, or amusement park; or on the premises of an established place of religious worship. 
 
Whether you’re a swashbuckler or a Samurai, and whether your blade of choice is the Sword of Gryffindor or a Katana, polish up those sheaths and scabbards to be ready for September 1st.
 
 
Blades of Glory
 

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