Is Butterfly Knives Legal in Texas? (2026)

RESTRICTED
Confidence: High

Partially — Butterfly Knives are legal with restrictions in Texas as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Age restriction: 18+
Penalty
Class C Misdemeanor for carrying a blade over 5.5 inches in certain locations.
Last Updated
2026-03-25
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Quick Answer

Butterfly knives are legal to possess in Texas, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Key Conditions & Exceptions:
  • Age restriction: 18+

What the Law Says

Texas law permits the carry of butterfly knives. However, knives with blades over 5.5 inches are restricted in certain locations.

Tex. Penal Code § 46.01
Category Details
Possession Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase Legal to sell
Penalties Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction 18+
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Enforcement Reality

Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Texas. However, there are some location restrictions, such as schools and bars.

Charge Level
Class C Misdemeanor for carrying a blade over 5.5 inches in certain locations.
Enforcement Likelihood
Low, except in restricted locations.
Common Triggers
Carrying a butterfly knife with a blade over 5.5 inches in a restricted location, such as a school or courthouse.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is carrying a butterfly knife into a location where it is prohibited, such as a bar or school.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Texas. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Bottom Line

Butterfly Knives are legal with restrictions in Texas. This product is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.

Texas vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, carrying a butterfly knife is fully legal in 39 states, restricted in 10, and illegal in 1. Texas falls in the RESTRICTED category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Butterfly Knives:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to carry Butterfly Knives in Texas?
Partially — Butterfly Knives are legal with restrictions in Texas as of 2026. Butterfly knives are legal to possess in Texas, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
What are the restrictions on carrying a butterfly knife in Texas?
Legal to own at home. Legal to sell
What mistakes do people make with carrying a butterfly knife in Texas?
A common mistake is carrying a butterfly knife into a location where it is prohibited, such as a bar or school.
What is the age restriction for carrying a butterfly knife in Texas?
18+
Does the law on carrying a butterfly knife change at the Texas border?
Yes. Butterfly Knives are legal in neighboring Oklahoma. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Texas law permits the carry of butterfly knives. However, knives with blades over 5.5 inches are restricted in certain locations.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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