Switchblade carry in Texas

[DoubleJ]

ahthankyou

[flintknapper]

Definition of Switchblade.

Notice in 46.01(11)(A):

"opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or other device located on the handle;"

If the knife opens because of a stud or piece of the blade is used for leverage, the open assist knife does not meet the letter of the law.

The difference is where the spring engages and what part of the knife causes the spring to engage. On your standard switchblade, the spring is constantly in tension so that when the button is depressed, the blade begins opening immediately as a direct result of the pressure from the spring. The snapping open of the blade is designed to be intimidating and fierce.

In an open assist blade, there is a small attachment to the blade that allows a person to push on the blade either from an extension of the blade through the back of the handle or a small stud on the leading edge of the blade as it opens. By pressing against either of these spots, the blade opens under manual power until the spring tension snaps the blade through the remaining 170 degrees or more.

It's a subtle distinction for sure, but without a button on the handle, it's not a switchblade in Texas.
Example: Kershaw Knives / Open Assist

[DoubleJ]

I had a feeling FK, otherwise known as "the knife guy," would have a good answer, too.
thanka

[jimlongley]

I have an acquaintance who is a knife dealer, who routinely carries a switchblade. He says he became a dealer because it enables him to carry one.

Did ya tell him that he is wrong?

Yeah, but you know how some of them types are. Like teaching a brick wall to dance.

[jbirds1210]

I purchased one of the newer Spyderco Endura models last week with the Wave feature...it opens much faster than any switchblade I have ever held and there is not a spring in the knife anywhere nor is it open assist. Emerson did their homework on this feature...it is really neat.

Jason

[flintknapper]

I purchased one of the newer Spyderco Endura models last week with the Wave feature...it opens much faster than any switchblade I have ever held and there is not a spring in the knife anywhere nor is it open assist. Emerson did their homework on this feature...it is really neat.

Jason

Yup,

A lot of the "Karambit's" have the wave feature too, as you say, they are fast.

By the time they are out of your pocket they are open.

The "Automatic" feature of some knives is no longer an advantage IMO, and the laws regarding them are antiquated and nonsensical.

[baboon]

I think this needs to be addressed. I can carry a gun, but not an auto knife?

[txinvestigator]

I think this needs to be addressed. I can carry a gun, but not an auto knife?

basically.

[WildBill]

I think this needs to be addressed. I can carry a gun, but not an auto knife?

basically.

What do you mean "basically"? Sounds like a Yes or No answer to me.

[Abraham]

Why are switchblades prohibited?

A sheath knife is always ready to go, just not as compact.

So, where's the logic?

Anyone know?

[txinvestigator]

I think this needs to be addressed. I can carry a gun, but not an auto knife?

basically.

What do you mean "basically"? Sounds like a Yes or No answer to me.

Yeah, but I don't know if he can carry a "gun" or not. There are limitations on that, and even more on handguns.

When I don't post entire laws or cover every angle I try to qualify with terms like basically or generally. Especially on this forum; there are too many sharp eyes here.

[txinvestigator]

Why are switchblades prohibited?

A sheath knife is always ready to go, just not as compact.

So, where's the logic?

Anyone know?

Humm, we would have to find the original bill and look at the Bill Analysis?

[Odin]

Why are switchblades prohibited?

A sheath knife is always ready to go, just not as compact.

So, where's the logic?

Anyone know?

You're looking for logic in laws?

[WildBill]

there are too many sharp eyes here.

I got you!

Abraham said: Why are switchblades prohibited?
A sheath knife is always ready to go, just not as compact.
So, where's the logic?
Anyone know?

The "logic" is that, historically, switchblades are generally thought of as weapons of "thugs, gangs, lowlifes, bikers, etc." In other words, only low class people would use or carry a switchblade. Look at the 1950s movies like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "The Wild One."

[KBCraig]

Why are switchblades prohibited?

Short answer: they were the "assault weapons" of the 1950s, except there was no National Knife Association, and the law didn't sunset.