Best knife for self defense legal in Texas

[Harley Rider 55]

A fixed blade knife with a blade no longer than 5.5". ALL lockback knives are illegal in San Antonio. The fixed blade makes more sense.

 

[Boba Fett]

A fixed blade knife with a blade no longer than 5.5". ALL lockback knives are illegal in San Antonio. The fixed blade makes more sense.

There's a bit more to it than that. There are some exceptions and allowances which would allow the OP to carry his knife in San Antonio:
http://library4.municode.com/defaul...757b638d3ecc049f10632ab4e11b4d&infobase=11508

Sec. 21-17. Certain knives prohibited generally; exceptions; penalty for violation.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally or knowingly carry on or about his person a knife with a blade less than five and one-half (5 1/2) inches in length, which knife is equipped with a lock mechanism so that upon opening, it becomes a fixed blade knife.
(b) The above prohibition set forth in subsection (a) shall not be applicable to a person carrying such a knife:

(1) In the actual discharge of his duties as a peace officer, a member of the armed forces or national guard, or a guard employed by a penal institution;​

(2) On his own premises or premises under his control;​

(3) Traveling;​

(4) Engaged in lawful hunting, fishing or other lawful sporting activity; or​

(5) Using such a knife in connection with a lawful occupation, during such utilization.​

(Code 1959, § 26-28.1)
Cross references: Regulation of firearms and weapons, § 21-151 et seq.; possession of a knife, § 21-155.

Sec. 21-155. Possession of knife.
It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of seventeen (17) to possess or carry any knife on a public roadway or public right-of-way; on any other property in which a governmental entity has an interest; or on private property without the permission of the owner or the person in control of the property within the city limits of the City of San Antonio.
(Ord. No. 79328, § 5, 12-16-93)
Cross references: Certain knives prohibited generally; exceptions, § 21-17.

So if I'm reading that correctly, duns, if you are traveling to San Antonio, it looks like you'll be fine

 

[zxcvbob]

A fixed blade knife with a blade no longer than 5.5". ALL lockback knives are illegal in San Antonio. The fixed blade makes more sense.

If you read the 2 laws careful, a locking knife with a blade *precisely* 5.5" long is exempt. (not sure I would risk being the test case)

 

[hmphargh]

If you read the 2 laws careful, a locking knife with a blade *precisely* 5.5" long is exempt. (not sure I would risk being the test case)

Not to mention, the other side might argue that the blade should be measured differently, putting you either over or under, so a blade that everyone agrees is exactly 5.5" in length is virtually non-existent.

You could also argue that a knife does not "become a fixed blade knife" when opening it simply because there is a lock that helps prevent it from closing, and that you must use care to ensure that it does not close on your hands.

You could also carry something with a manual lock like an Opinel and be perfectly legal or carry a fixed blade knife.

That specific law is ridiculous and is mostly targeted at Hispanic youth gangs. I don't live in San Antonio, but I have been told by people who live there that the law is not actually enforced in practice unless you are acting suspiciously and they already have you stopped for other reasons. Not that I would be caught with a locking knife in San Antonio, I just think it is a poor law.

 

[JShirley]

The Civilian and similar Spydercos scream their weaponly intent, and aren't as versatile as other knives I believe to be at least as effective.

The Delica is a fine all-around choice.

 

[Boba Fett]

If you read the 2 laws careful, a locking knife with a blade *precisely* 5.5" long is exempt. (not sure I would risk being the test case)

Actually, the way the law reads it comes across as saying it is only unlawful to carry a knife that has a locking mechanism with a blade less than 5.5 inches long. So a knife with a 6 inch blade and a locking mechanism would be alright?

Dang that is such a poorly written law... :banghead:

 

[zxcvbob]

Let me 'splain it to you
A knife with a blade over 5.5" is unlawful to carry under Texas state laws.
A lockblade under 5.5" is unlawful to carry under San Antonio local ordinances.
Exactly 5.5" is magical. (it's a boundary condition thing. I'm a computer systems programmer; I live for undefined boundary conditions)

 

[Boba Fett]

Let me 'splain it to you
A knife with a blade over 5.5" is unlawful to carry under Texas state laws.
A lockblade under 5.5" is unlawful to carry under San Antonio local ordinances.
Exactly 5.5" is magical. (it's a boundary condition thing. I'm a computer systems programmer; I live for undefined boundary conditions)

<Duh> Ah of course....I forgot about the ol' overriding Texas law about knife length. </Duh>

 

[Deltaboy1984]

If you go to SA carry a Brown mule or Case Sodbuster!