Texas law: open carry

[strmliner]

Gila Monster

          
In all my time in the southwest, I'm happy I've never run into one of these in the wild!
And a large-bladed knife wouldn't be of much help if I did...those critters are quick with very strong jaws.

[Noa Isumi]

One of the biggest issues the new law fixes is for double edge. All double edge was banned regardless of length, if it was just a sharppened clip or spear point, or a serration/chopping edge. Everyone talks about swords but that is fluff, the 5.5in limit is what's important. Also anything that has been changed from "illegal" to "restricted" has the same location based carry limitations as a firearm. Hhowever it does nothing for tomahawks as they are regulated under "illegal club".

[styx]

Perhaps someone ought to sharpen those tomahawks so they won't be clubs.
Messer and flachion are two european variants of swords that spring to mind with the double bladed issue since they are only single edged

[Gerhard Gerber]

. Hhowever it does nothing for tomahawks as they are regulated under "illegal club".

Why is that?

[ironraven]

. Hhowever it does nothing for tomahawks as they are regulated under "illegal club".

Why is that?

You want a law to make sense?

[strmliner]

One of the biggest issues the new law fixes is for double edge. All double edge was banned regardless of length, if it was just a sharppened clip or spear point, or a serration/chopping edge. Everyone talks about swords but that is fluff, the 5.5in limit is what's important. Also anything that has been changed from "illegal" to "restricted" has the same location based carry limitations as a firearm. Hhowever it does nothing for tomahawks as they are regulated under "illegal club".

I'm not going to touch the sword or tomahawk issues...too vague and politically sensitive/toxic in today's US environment.  But in terms of loosening the knife-carry law in regards to blade-length is probably in order.  Seems senseless to me that something as basic as the Buck 119 Special is against the law to carry off your property.  The same thought would apply to all 6-7" blades used for hunting. However, if you're carrying it to class in college, or as a an urban/suburban carry...I only see it as a tool for intimidation...there is a difference.

Knife laws across the southern US were enacted in the early- to mid-1800's due to dueling, fighting, and the introduction of the 12+" Bowie. Initially, the laws were of similar intent, but have since become a political tool. 

[Noa Isumi]

These laws generally don't get charged or prosecuted anyway. If you are getting charged for these its padding on something else you got caught for or you were brandishing not just carrying. Weapons charges are often the first a prosecutor will drop to get a suspect to plea on something else.

One thing people don't realize about the "illegal club" designation is it includes any potential impact weapon. So not just ASP batons & tomahawks but also, bats, hammers, wrenches and those silly sticks & golf clubs the old ladies carry when power walking in the park every nite. Really anything you can't prove an immediate alternative use for other than hitting someone is included. What is worse is many sports stores don't know the law and sell 9in Batons, heeling sticks, and CS Shambok for defence to joggers. Ya, I know shambok is technically a whip but I doubt a LEO will take that explanation and let you walk.

[Gerhard Gerber]

There's this FB group I was added to that concentrates on improvised EDC self-defense weapons.

I've been told that locally using pepper spray is GBH, I assume that's when used in a road-rage as opposed to self-defense situation.

But I'm sure that's the case even if you use a bag of groceries to beat somebody senseless.