TexasCHLforum.com

howdy folks, I didn't see a knife sub-forum so I hope I put this in the right place.

I don't yet have my carry License and until I get it i'd like to carry a fix blade knife for protection. i'm sure there are much better options out there but for various reasons I've settled on the Cold Steel Peace maker 2. http://www.coldsteel.com/peace-maker-ii.html

by my understanding of Texas Law this would be perfectly legal to carry as it has a blade that isn't over 5 1/2", it's not double edged and to my eyes it looks nothing like a Bowie.

i'd like y'alls opinion on if it would be fine to carry this knife or am I missing anything legally speaking?

I would just like to be safe and not break any Laws while doing so.

I wouldn't consider a knife as adequate protection, a clear mind and healthy livestyle is perhaps more useful.

I always carry a knife, I don't carry a knife for protection. It's a tool, mostly a tool that can be used as weapon under very dire circumstances.

I don't see where it mentions the blade length on the product page, but as long as it is within legal limits, I would feel comfortable carrying it. Be aware, however, that there are laws about when you can and cannot use one, just like there are with guns. Also just like with guns, if you are carrying a knife for self defense, you should make sure that you are mentally and physically prepared to use it should the need arise.

Not to mention knives do not have state preemption...municipalities can regulate them...see also: San Antonio

RogueUSMC wrote:Not to mention knives do not have state preemption...municipalities can regulate them...see also: San Antonio

Not anymore. This from the internet

"HB 905 preempts local knife ordinances that are more restrictive than state law and ensures that the repeal of the Texas ban on switchblade (automatic) knives will now be the law throughout the state. Kirk Evans, president of [Pre-paid legal service] and U.S. Law Shield, said, “The new law goes into effect September 1, 2015"

I carry folders 90% of the time but when I carry a fixed blade I carry the K-bar TDI knife. As for my folders I carry two knives. Before I got my LTC I would carry a large folder and Swiss Army knife for regular tasks if I didn't wanna use my large folder. I tend to carry spyderco or benchmade and also I like ZERO tolerance knives. But since I have my LTC and carry everywhere I carry a spyderco Delica plain edge and a Moore maker trapper. I have come to realize that unless you have really good training with a blade it is gonna be tough and that is absolutely last ditch. The delica is still big enough I think to use if I had to but a knife is a tool so I think of them as such. If I have to use my knife either I'm out of Ammo or my gun broke lol

Rusty, this appears to be legal to me.
A knife is a vital component to an EDC. They are lethal self-defense weapons and are every bit as deadly as a firearm. You may already have good experience with edged weapons, but in the event that you don't, please consider getting some training. It is very common for folks to get stabbed by the same knives which they introduced into the fight.

I am a bit of a knife geek, and I always carry a working knife and a defense knife. Some of the things I look for in an EDC fighting knife:
a) I try to find a decent steel blade. I like 154CM or D2. CMP3V is excellent. Better steel can get really expensive however. There are a lot of good blades made with 1095 high carbon.
b) I don't want a fighting knife that is too long. 4 inches is kind of the sweet spot for me. Effective knife work involves not displaying the blade until the cut is being made and anything too long is hard to cloak.
c) Full tang construction is vital. You don't want the handle breaking off in a fight.
d) I like a slightly oversized choil to allow me to choke up on the blade.
e) I largely stick to drop point blades. I have seen some guys do very impressive demonstrations with exotic designs like the karambit, but I ain't one of those guys.

Knife guys are like gun guys. We all have our own specific criteria and baked in opinions!

Prince of Persia, the sand of the time.

To echo what others have said, a knife is not the best defense option if for no other reason than you have to touch your attacker to hurt them. My wife is in the same boat as you (waiting for plastic) so when she runs I have her carry two things: a Sabre Red pepper spray (same concentration I use in corrections - nasty stuff) and a Kershaw folding knife. I tel her to use the spray first because it has the advantage of range and it will make it more difficult for the attacker to counter your knife attacks...if it doesn't dissuade him altogether. She also runs with our German Shepherd, so that helps.

Im not hand to hand or knife trained, my fear is my own knife used against me. I chose not to carry one for that reason. Are there any stats to argue how often a knife is used against its owner?

FastCarry wrote:Im not hand to hand or knife trained, my fear is my own knife used against me. I chose not to carry one for that reason. Are there any stats to argue how often a knife is used against its owner?

Then learn to keep control of your handgun, at all times. First of all keep distance. 2nd, never ever loose control of your handgun.

Beiruty wrote:

FastCarry wrote:Im not hand to hand or knife trained, my fear is my own knife used against me. I chose not to carry one for that reason. Are there any stats to argue how often a knife is used against its owner?

Then learn to keep control of your handgun, at all times. First of all keep distance. 2nd, never ever loose control of your handgun.

Distance and cover are key for me.

A knife is a tool, plain and simple. For self defense it would be way down my list. I don't like to get that close to someone I am defending my life against. That being said, if you feel comfortable and feel you have sufficient training to use a knife in that manner more power to you.
As far as legality, with a blade under 5.5 inches, there should be no issues. I have not heard of anyone being arrested for a knife because it "might be" a bowie knife. The same rules, regarding deadly force, apply, whether you are using a handgun, knife, or a cast iron skillet.