Texas Open to Knives, Swords and Spears

Texas open carry sword law takes effect Friday with suitable illustrations by Fastner and Larson

The phrase "everything's bigger in Texas" is about to become even more clear-cut.

On Friday, Texans will legally be allowed to carry blades longer than 5.5 inches in most — but not all — places.

This includes openly carrying the famous Jim Bowie knife, as well as daggers, dirks, throwing knives, stilettos, poniards, swords, machetes and spears.

Spears may be a great arm length equalizer in a battle, but they're kind of hard to carry easily in urban living.

The new law was introduced by Republican state Rep. John Frullo this year but met resistance after a student was killed and three others were wounded at the University of Texas by a suspect wielding a hunting knife.

That's unfortunate, of course, but not a good reason for a ban.

As a compromise, the measure passed by changing the wording describing the blades from "illegal" to "location-restricted."

So although Texans will be allowed to walk down the street carrying a katana, it's illegal to take blades exceeding 5.5 inches to the following places:

• Bars and restaurants that derive 51% or more of their income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption.
• Schools and universities.
• Polling places.
• Secure areas of airports.
• Racetracks.
• High school, collegiate or professional sporting events (unless the person is a participant in the event and a location-restricted knife is used in the event).
• Correctional facilities.
• Hospitals, nursing homes and mental hospitals (unless written authorization is given).
• Amusement parks.
• Churches, synagogues or other established places of religious worship. Also, people under age 18 will not be allowed to carry such blades if not directly supervised by a parent or guardian.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but reaction to the new law on social media so far has been mixed. . .

In a truly free state, the people who run most of those locations would be allowed to make their own choices.

If you don't like knives, swords or spears, don't carry one.

The text of the 2nd Amendment says "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" not "the right of the people to keep and bear guns shall not be infringed." Since time immemorial, people have been bearing knives, swords and spears in defense of themselves, their families and their countries.

Wombat-socho has "Late Night With Rule 5 Monday: Kate Upton Goes To Houston" ready for your viewing pleasure.