USA Today by John Tufts 8/30/2017
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.
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.
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:
More:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/08/30/en-garde-texas-open-carry-sword-law-takes-effect-friday/619064001/#