Yes, Butterfly knives, or balisongs, are legal to own and carry in Texas under state law, provided they are not used in a criminal act. Texas Penal Code § 46.05 prohibits carrying knives with blades over 5.5 inches in certain restricted locations, but balisongs with blades under this threshold face no statewide restrictions. Local municipalities like Austin and Dallas have historically enforced additional ordinances, though enforcement has waned post-2021 due to state preemption laws prohibiting local knife regulations. The 2026 Texas Legislature is considering HB 1927, which may further clarify blade length exemptions for folding knives, but no changes have been enacted as of mid-2024.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Texas
- Blade Length Threshold: Texas law permits balisongs with blades under 5.5 inches for open carry, but blades exceeding this length may trigger restrictions in government buildings, schools, or other secured areas under § 46.03.
- Local Ordinance Preemption: Cities like Austin previously banned balisongs outright, but Texas Government Code § 411.209 now prohibits local governments from regulating knives, effectively nullifying such bans.
- Intent-Based Prohibitions: While possession is legal, using a balisong in an assault or threatening manner violates Texas Penal Code § 22.01 (assault) or § 42.01 (disorderly conduct), regardless of blade length.