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Texas Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws (2026)

Permitted: No switchblade/auto ban; HB 1935 (2017) removed the 'illegal knife' class and switchblades appear nowhere in Penal Code ch. 46, so automatic knives are legal to own and carry (Tex. Penal Code 46.01).

PermittedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws in states bordering Texas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArkansasPermitted
Switchblades and butterfly knives are legal to own and carry; carrying a knife is an offense only if done with a purpose to unlawfully employ it as a weapon (Ark. Code 5-73-120).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: arkleg.state.ar.us · Full Arkansas rule →
LouisianaPermitted
Louisiana repealed its switchblade ban; La. R.S. 14:95 no longer restricts owning or carrying automatic/OTF knives, so adults may own and openly carry them.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
New MexicoRestricted
Possessing, carrying, selling or making a switchblade (or any knife opening automatically or by gravity/centrifugal force) is a petty misdemeanor in New Mexico (NMSA 30-7-8).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nmonesource.com · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaPermitted
Oklahoma removed switchblades/automatics (HB 1911, 2015) and all other knives (SB 1159, 2016) from the 1272 carry ban; any knife is legal to own and carry (21 O.S. 1272).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: oscn.net · Full Oklahoma rule →

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