Carrying a Pocket Knife? Make Sure You’re Not Breaking Texas Law!

I see it all the time around West Texas, someone openly carrying a knife or a handgun, and while it is currently legal, you must be 21 years of age or older and not convicted of, or charged with a felony. This past weekend while broadcasting live on location I saw a young man carrying a good-sized pocket knife. I asked him if he hunted or fished and he said no I'm a gamer.

I asked his age, and he proudly replied, 'I'm about to be 15 and start Driver's-Ed.' And then I remembered when I was 12 or 13 years old, being told (by the Base Commander) I could not carry my pocket knife in school or on the military base my dad was stationed at. This got me to thinking, how old does someone have to be to legally carry a pocket knife in Texas, what is the law?

The answer is a little complex in the actual wording in that to "own" a pocket knife or handgun in Texas, the law says there are no age boundaries or limitations. However, the legal age to "carry a pocket knife (open-carry or concealed) in Texas is 18 years old." While it’s legal for someone under 18 to own a pocket knife, carrying one 'outside' of their home or business requires adult permission and supervision.

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So was this young man that's about to turn 15 years old breaking the law? No! His dad was sitting about three feet away from him. I explained  to the young man that when I was his age I had my "Swiss Army Knife" taken away from me and was given to my dad. The young man replied "a Swiss Army Knife, really?" and then he started laughing. Don't laugh too hard as you'll see how handy they are in the video below.

Nonetheless, I understood the law then and I understand law to this day. So, if there's a youngster in your family that is open or concealed carrying a pocketknife you may want to share this article with them. Finally, my Swiss Army Knife that I had taken away from me, and that I've had since I was a Cub Scout is sitting inside my vault along with all my other valuable possessions.