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

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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