Author Topic: Bowie Knife Question for Texans (Read 686 times)

Venator · « **on:** May 27, 2003, 04:50:08 PM »

Can any of you Texans on the forum tell me if it is illegal to carry a Bowie knife at CAS events? They are expressly forbidden in Texas, except for some specific exceptions (some of which are a little shaky). Any advice will be mucho appreciated.

Bowie knives illegal in Texas! What's the danged world comin to?

B_Koes · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2003, 04:08:04 AM »

Hey there Venator! Didn't yer pappy tell ya never take a knife to a gunfight!

williamlayton · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2003, 07:44:52 AM »

the law--who writes laws--has limitations on the size of knives, the carrying of such is illegal--the transportation of such is acceptable under certain guidelines, as is weapons-if you do not have a chl---now a chl does not allow you carry an illegal knife--but if you have a chl the previous resonse is more than logical---i will tell you, from my point of view and what i did forever--carry the gun and tha devil can take the hindquarter.
now then, you can transport an ax or a hatchet legally.
blessings--which by the way are not illegal in any state

howdy doody · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2003, 08:32:14 AM »

Actually that is a bonifide question and now has me thinking. I live in Kalifornia where even breathing is illegal. I better check and see what the legal length of a fixed blade is here. I wear a skinning knife as part of my outfit when I shoot plainsman events. I don't worry about at the event, but what if I was stopped on the way to and from?
Maybe there is a list of knife rules by state. That would be very helpful.
Sorry I am not helpful on your Texas question.

Capt Hamp Cox · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2003, 10:48:05 AM »

Condition of carry (concealed or in the open) may have a bearing. Seems strange you could pack two holster handguns, one rifle, one shotgun, a thomahawk, a pocket gun, etc. legally at a CAS match, and not be able to legally carry a Bowie. Ever notice deer hunters on way to or from hunt with hunting knives on their belt? I see them around here every year, and no one gives it a second thought.

HWooldridge · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2003, 11:20:41 AM »

Would have to check current Texas penal code but it used to read that certain weapons were illegal under all circumstances, EXCEPT - and then went on to list them. One exception was legitimate sporting use if the weapon was of a sort commonly used for the purpose, which ultimately left it up to the peace officer's discretion. I do not believe a big knife would be a problem at a CAS match but would be an issue at the grocery store. I think the penal code is on-line and if not, a hard copy is available at most college book stores.

howdy doody · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2003, 01:09:14 PM »

I found a little on the length subject here
http://www.knifeart.com/knifeart/kniflawbysta.html

If I read right, there is a lot of discrepency and it seems to be up to judges.

Looks like Texas is something like 5.5 inch. Look at Kalifornia. It says something like a writing pen can be called a stabbing instrament. Isn't Kalifornia a great place

Venator · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2003, 08:41:21 AM »

HD, that site was one that a friend showed me that prompted my question.

Texas:
Specifically illegal: Switchblade, throwing knives, daggers (in general), bowie knives, swords and spears.

I have since checked the Texas Penal Code and did not find anything specific to "Bowie knife", but it clearly says that they're illegal except in very subjective cases, due to their length. I guess you're right - it's up to the peace officer and judge.

Thanks to all for your insights.

Capt Hamp Cox · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2003, 07:44:43 AM »

According to my son, the Austin, TX cop:

"The fixed blade is 5 1/2"+ then it is considered an illegal knife. As long as no police ppl are called out to the party there shouldn't be a problem; but it is a class A misdemeanor and is a sure fire way to be arrested. It's the same classification as carrying a handgun without a CCL or being in possession of a club (nightstick, PR-24, pool cue half under the front seat etc.) If it's longer than a dollar bill then it's a Class A misdemeanor. Now I doubt any cop will be looking to arrest a CAS shooter at an event. As long as the illegal knife is transported in the trunk or another "out of immediate reach" area then it's not a problem...you aren't considered to have it readily available and are just transporting it. It's not illegal to have it just illegal to carry it."

"Think of the SCA events where the people dress up like medieval guys with swords etc...a sword is considered an illegal knife but they don't get arrested. Think of all the US Marines in jail with their snazzy sabers."

For what it's worth.

Hamp

Venator · « **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2003, 04:38:50 PM »

Thanks, Hamp. I'll be a little more careful with my new Laredo Bowie... wouldn't want some country deputy confiscating it!