Can I carry a Cold Steel Voyager XL Clip Point Plain Edge Legally in TX

[rugerista]

I want to buy the knife but not if is illegal to carry.

FYI - I won't be going to San Antonio with the knife.

Thank you

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[kal0]

Information here:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.u.../pdf/PE.46.pdf

(6)"Illegal knife" means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard;
(D) bowie knife;
(E) sword; or
(F) spear.
(7) "Knife" means any bladed hand instrument that is
capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or
stabbing a person with the instrument.

[stanislaskasava]

That's quite the list of infringements you've found there.

[68blackbird]

On top of that, some cities have their own ordances. Example, here in Corpus Christi,


Sec. 33-73. - Dangerous weapons—Carrying prohibited generally.

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on or about his person in any public place any one or more of the following: Straight razor, unpackaged safety razor blade, any knife having a blade measuring from the handle of three (3) inches or more in length, any knife that will not shut, any knife that will open and lock open by the press of a button, ice pick, chain six (6) inches or more in length, bowie knife, gun, pistol, revolver, dirk, dagger, spear, nightstick, machete, blackjack, pipe stick, hand sickle, stiletto, knuckles, swordcase made of any metal or any hard substance, or any dangerous weapon.

[rugerista]

Information here:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.u.../pdf/PE.46.pdf

(6)"Illegal knife" means a:
(A)knife with a blade over five and one-half inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard;
(D) bowie knife;
(E) sword; or
(F)spear.
(7) "Knife" means any bladed hand instrument that is
capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or
stabbing a person with the instrument.

- The blade is 5.5 inches long so I am good on length
- Can it be considered a throwing knife? I don't think so, its a folder.
- What is considered a dagger?
- Wikipedia defines dagger as a short knife with a pointed and edged blade use as a weapon... Pretty broad... Anyone knows what is considered a dagger?
- A bowie is a long knife double edged at the point. Voyager is not double edged... Right?
- It is not a sword.
- It is not a spear.

So is it legal? Any advice is appreciated.

[rugerista]

Its there a website that compiles all local knife laws in Texas? What a mess...

[kdydak]

Question of knife legality is actually a bit more complicated in TX. We had this discussion on a TX CHL forum and if you read the law carefully.

Everyone knows about the section 46.02:

PENAL CODE**CHAPTER 46. WEAPONS

Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:

But if you keep reading to section 46.15 on Non-applicability:

Sec. 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY.
....
(b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who:
....
(6) is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a concealed handgun of the same category as the handgun the person is carrying;

This Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code refers to the regular CHL:

GOVERNMENT CODE**CHAPTER 411. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

I am not a lawyer but at least technically on paper if you have CHL AND you are carrying a gun you are exempt from 46.02 which makes it legal for you to carry an otherwise illegal club or knife.

That being said be aware that there is no case law that tests this in court and the police attitude will likely be to arrest you and let the jury decide

[rugerista]

Thank you so much for the reply. I may stick to more "benign" looking knifes for carry.

[Richard58]

Just get ur self a common lock blade pocket blade with 3 to 4 inch blade. Got all u need right there as pocketknives go. The lock blade device is most important so as not to fold up on ur own hand when in action. Myself I like a little weight to my knife....

[Superhouse 15]

So....

You can carry a concealed handgun or two concealed, but it's illegal to carry a knife if it's too long?!?? In TEXAS?!?

[Hopyard]

On top of that, some cities have their own ordances. Example, here in Corpus Christi,


Sec. 33-73. - Dangerous weapons—Carrying prohibited generally.

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on or about his person in any public place any one or more of the following: Straight razor, unpackaged safety razor blade, any knife having a blade measuring from the handle of three (3) inches or more in length, any knife that will not shut, any knife that will open and lock open by the press of a button, ice pick, chain six (6) inches or more in length, bowie knife, gun, pistol, revolver, dirk, dagger, spear, nightstick, machete, blackjack, pipe stick, hand sickle, stiletto, knuckles, swordcase made of any metal or any hard substance, or any dangerous weapon.

Re:Part in bold. It appears to be in direct conflict with the state preemption on gun laws.

[Nutrodoc]

Jim Bowie died defending Texas at the Alamo - and his knife is illegal? That's just not right!!