[30mag]

I live in Texas, and I presume that there is no license associated with the concealed carry of knives since I've walked around with a pocket knife in my pocket forever.
Operating on the assumption that I am correct, can anyone make any recommendations for knives to carry concealed, or companies that make knives specifically for concealed carry?
I think I would favor a light, single-edged, fixed blade.

[glistam]

Yup, no license. Folder or fixed is good as long as the blade has one edge, is under 5.5 inches, and isn't a switchblade or bali. (http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/tx.txt)

There are so many kinds that would meet your needs that I have a hard time naming a recommendation. Have any more specific criteria? More rural old-time look? High tech modern? Waterproof? Going in the boot, under the arm, on the belt?

[ArfinGreebly]

San Antonio has some interesting ordinances regarding locking folders, if I recall right.

If my data is good, it's okay to carry a fixed blade and okay to carry a non-locking pocket knife, but locking folders are bad.

You would want to verify that.

[30mag]

Light, strong, simple.
High-tech is cool, but I still want a (reasonably priced) cheap knife.
I want to carry it while I workout, specifically running.

[30mag]

So, I suppose like an knife for IWB carry.

[sm]

http://www.knifelawsonline.com/knifehome/

Always investigate and verify the laws for where you are, will be traveling through and to.

I don't do knife fights.
That said, I have used a Case Peanut, Boker 240 pen knife, Case Slimline Trapper, Vicotorinox Spartan. Case Camp knife, ...etc, to stop what needed stopping.

As I have a carton cutter, screwdriver, coffee cup, rolled up magazine, flower vase with flowers, vehicle antenna, diaper bag, grocery buggy, AA maglite, 3 D cell maglight, stainless Parker ball point pen cane... etc., and that damn purple dino named Barney.

I personally carry a Victorinox Classic SD always.
I "might" have in addition a carton cutter, small screwdriver, ink pen, and whatever free magazine, or newspaper is handy...and cane.
Oh and some other knife, and I only do slip joint or fixed.

EDC, it sure is hard to beat SAK, especially in freaky-people settings.
So is it hard to beat a classic slip joint, around 3" or so closed, with carbon steel /tool steel blades.
Like a Case Stockman...


Use enough Software

[saltydog452]

The box opener thingie as sold by The Dollar Store and Home Depot costs a bit north of a dollar, weighs next to nothing, flat, has a clip (short though), and provision for a strap.

I have one in my shirt pocket now.

salty

[Deltaboy]

Get a 4 inch carbon steel Mora.

[Todd A]

High-tech is cool, but I still want a (reasonably priced) cheap knife.

How much are you looking to spend?

What blade length do you think you will be able to conceal on your person?

Answer those two questions and we will have a starting point for quality knives.

[30mag]

I would like to keep the price under a hundred dollars, and am thinking a six inch fixed blade OAL, or a four inch folder.

[glistam]

Remember, keep the blade under 5 and a half regardless.

[30mag]

lengths were OAL.

[Todd A]

My current EDC that I carry concealed on my belt or in my pocket. Not inside the waist,I would need to send it out for a custom sheath for that.

2 3/4" scale to tip blade, 6" OAL length. It was priced right at the very top of your limit with a six week wait time from JK Handmade Knives.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/toddma/100_0821.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/toddma/edc1.jpg

Or you could save yourself alot of cash and by a Becker/Kabar BK11 for $32.50. Then spend another 8 bucks or so for the Kabar TDI belt clip and have a 3.25" blade with a OAL of 6.75". That you could clip inside your pants,it also only weighs 2.5 oz.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/toddma/BK11.jpg

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Wait wait wait wait wait...



So all this time I've been wrong in my thinking that it is illegal to have a small fixed blade on your person in Texas?


This is great news! :)
I seem to remember specifically reading a statement saying that the blade must close into the handle.
Can someone post the text or reasoning as to why carrying a fixed blade under 5.5" is legal?

[glistam]

Wait wait wait wait wait...

So all this time I've been wrong in my thinking that it is illegal to have a small fixed blade on your person in Texas?

This is great news!
I seem to remember specifically reading a statement saying that the blade must close into the handle.
Can someone post the text or reasoning as to why carrying a fixed blade under 5.5" is legal?

There is nothing in the statute specifying that it most fold or be a "pocket knife" or "penknife." It just says "knife."

Penal Code 46.02. Unlawful carrying weapons.

(a) A person commits an offense if intentionally,
knowingly , or recklessly carries on or about his person a
handgun, illegal knife, or club. [Exceptions: official;
actor was own premises; was traveling; engaged in lawful
hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity; security
guard].

(6) "Illegal knife" means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by
being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto,
and poniard;
(D) sword; or
(E) spear.

Source: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/PE/htm/PE.46.htm

Two warnings:
1. Beware local city ordinances. Under our federal system of the US, smaller jurisdictions can make tighter restrictions than the state law unless the state indicates preemption of local law.
2. Policemen usually know what their doing, but they can be mistaken about weapon laws a lot. It happens. Although this seems less likely in Texas due to the culture compared to a northeast state.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Hah!

This is great, I can't believe I've been such a noob for all these years. I mean, I read and re-read those laws about a hundred times when I was younger.

Thanks guys.

[mfcmb]

hideawayknife.com

[Searcher1970]

Look into a Boker MPT. Great for IWB carry, I carry one everyday and with the shorter handle design it doesn't dig into you.
http://www.clbdesign.info/content/view/10/86/

[30mag]

I REALLY want a hideaway knife, but it is very hard to justify. (price)
I may try and machine one myself...
I have a grinder, sandpaper and a dremel tool...
I suppose I just need some steel now.

[sm]

I REALLY want a hideaway knife, but it is very hard to justify. (price)

This is where an inexpensive , small, screwdrivers fits a niche.
While a disposable ball point pen will open boxes, and undo knots, they are not worth a flip for screws.

The small screwdriver does not write worth a flip, but it not only works on screws, it scribes drywall, assists with undoing knots, opens boxes, prys, pokes holes and all sorts of other stuff.

Perfectly legal and no big deal if you lose it.

[8830]

I'm in Texas and an ex-cop so while I have carried many different fixed and folders my favorites are a Spyderco Endura clipped to my back pocket and a RAT3 carried IWB with the blade facing forward. Stay away from 'waved' knives as they are now considered switch blades in Texas.

[mdThanatos]

just got my new SOG Field Pup today for edc, just gotta try to find a sheath for it, don't like the one that it came with. Legal in Texas and sharp!

[tomh1426]

I dunno about concealed carry but when I carry a fixed blade Its usually my ringed Razel, CRKT makes an affordable version in 3 sizes.
http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17433

[30mag]

It's not REALLY concealed carry. I just want a knife similar to something you would carry concealed.
I'd carry on the outside of my waistband when I go running.
I just don't want something too big or heavy.

[auschip]

I'm in Texas and an ex-cop so while I have carried many different fixed and folders my favorites are a Spyderco Endura clipped to my back pocket and a RAT3 carried IWB with the blade facing forward. Stay away from 'waved' knives as they are now considered switch blades in Texas.

Can you give us more details on that? I saw the info about assisted openers, but it specifically didn't mention a wave type device. Then again it should become moot when the new law takes effect.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I'm in Texas and an ex-cop so while I have carried many different fixed and folders my favorites are a Spyderco Endura clipped to my back pocket and a RAT3 carried IWB with the blade facing forward. Stay away from 'waved' knives as they are now considered switch blades in Texas.

I agree; more details and a source are needed.

[GPStak]

I have carried a Spyderco C07 w/spyder edge for more than 15 years. I use it all the time for various things and it is still in perfect shape with minimal sharpening. All stainless and easy to clean. It is a big knife. In jeans, I wear clipped inside front pocket. With shorts and untucked shirt I clip it inside pants SOB even when jogging or biking with no problems. Too big to leave flopping around in dockers or slacks pocket.

[IaDC]

What's the 'waved' part 8830? That little snood you push on with your fingertip?

[hso]

wave=hook that tears up your pants if you use it too much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecT4jP5QSKo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecT4jP5QSKo&feature=related

[Leadhead]

wave = speeddialer :)

http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel/speeddialers.htm

http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel/wendurashoulder3.jpg

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Still no citation for the claim that waved knives are now illegal?

[glistam]

I know of no such case law supporting this claim. Assisted openers and balisongs, but not wave systems. I want to mention this would not be the first time someone confounded these terms.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Actually, I think he is talking about Thomas vs. Texas


http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=5675821

[glistam]

Actually, I think he is talking about Thomas vs. Texas

If he is, then he meant to say spring-assisted knives.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

You are completely right, buuuuut

Well, if you read the case really carefully, it becomes evident that the assisted opening catch was on the blade.


That really sucks.


From now on, I'm tightening down the pivot screws on my knives so that it takes an act of god to open them :)

[Nairbedaw]

Does this mean that the Cold Steel Ti- Lite ia now an illegal knife? It is not assisted opening but does have a cullion that can catch on the pocket to open...

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I don't know, man.

I re-read it, and I think there has to be a spring of some sort.

[seeker_two]

The state of AO knives in Texas is a little tricky. The Legislature passed a law clarifying the difference b/t AO & switchblades, but it doesn't go into effect until Sept. 1st. Until then, it's pretty much up to the LEO's and DA's to define and charge accordingly....

That said, most LEO's aren't going to arrest you for having an AO knife (most of them do, anyway) unless you're doing something hinky anyway. Think of it like getting a speeding ticket or illegal weapons charge while you're robbing the bank....

(...that is, unless you live in a liberal, anti-liberty area like Austin or Houston where they'll arrest you for even looking like a conservative 2A supporter...)

[hso]

Keep in mind that San Antonio won't permit you to carry a locking blade legally. Other than that the whole issue will soon be over on AOs in TX.

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

Yeah, that law frustrates the heck out of me every time I drive over there.