If you are asking “are katanas legal in Texas” and you want a clear answer before you buy, the answer is yes. Texas is one of the most sword friendly states in the United States. You can legally own a katana, buy one online, and even carry it in many public places as long as you respect a few location based rules.
In 2017, Texas passed House Bill 1935 which removed the old illegal knife category and created a simple system based on blade length. This change made it legal for adults to carry long blades such as swords and katanas in most places across the state. This guide explains Texas katana laws, where you can carry a katana, how the statutes work, and how to safely buy and ship a real katana to your Texas home.
Are Katanas Legal in Texas
Yes. Katanas are fully legal to own and carry in most of Texas.
Texas law divides knives into two categories:
- A knife
- A location restricted knife
According to Texas Penal Code section 46.01:
- “Knife” means any bladed hand instrument capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death.
- “Location restricted knife” means a knife with a blade over five and one half inches.
Because a katana blade is much longer than five and one half inches, it is legally a location restricted knife. This does not make it illegal. It simply means you cannot bring it into specific protected places listed in Penal Code 46.03. Everywhere else, adults can legally carry one.
There is no Texas law that bans owning swords. There is no statute that bans katanas by name. After HB 1935, Texas became one of the most permissive states for sword ownership.
Texas Knife and Sword Law Overview
The relevant Texas laws for katana owners come from:
- Texas Penal Code 46.01 Definitions
- Texas Penal Code 46.02 Unlawful carrying weapons
- Texas Penal Code 46.03 Places weapons prohibited
HB 1935 removed the old illegal knife list and replaced it with the location restricted knife concept, which applies to large blades such as katanas.
Owning and Buying a Katana in Texas
Owning a katana in Texas is completely legal.
You can:
- Own a katana
- Display a katana at home
- Collect swords
- Train with swords
- Own multiple swords without registration
Buying a katana in Texas is also legal. You can purchase from local shops or buy a katana online from stores such as Pacific Armory. Texas does not restrict the sale of swords to adults.
Katana Shipping and Import Laws in Texas
Katana shipping into Texas is legal. Retailers can ship swords directly to your home using UPS, FedEx, USPS, or DHL. There is no special license required for delivery.
Katana import laws are also simple. You can import a katana from Japan, China, or Europe for personal use. Customs only requires accurate labeling and safe packaging.
Can You Carry a Katana in Texas
Texas makes a clear distinction between adults and minors.
Adults 18 and older
Adults can legally carry a katana, either open or concealed, in most public areas. Texas does not separate open carry and concealed carry for knives. The only rule is that a katana is a location restricted knife, so adults cannot carry it into specific protected places listed in Penal Code 46.03.
Minors under 18
Minors cannot carry a location restricted knife in public unless they are:
- On their own premises
- In a vehicle under their control
- Under direct supervision of a parent or guardian
- Engaged in legal outdoor activities such as hunting
Minors can still own swords at home, but cannot carry them in unsupervised public settings.
Where You Cannot Bring a Katana in Texas
A katana is a location restricted knife, so you cannot bring it into the places listed in Texas Penal Code 46.03, which include:
- Schools and school grounds
- School transportation vehicles
- University buildings in many circumstances
- High school, college, or professional sporting events
- Bars and venues where over 51 percent of revenue comes from alcohol
- Correctional facilities
- Airports secure areas
- Certain hospitals and nursing facilities
- Some religious buildings depending on signage and context
- Racetracks
These restrictions apply even to adults. However, everyday locations such as your home, street, sidewalks, parks, and most businesses are not restricted.
Is It Legal To Display a Katana at Home in Texas
Yes. Texas allows you to freely display your katana at home. You can:
- Mount it on the wall
- Display it on a stand
- Showcase a daisho set
- Maintain a full sword collection
There are no legal restrictions on sword display inside your private residence.
Buying a Katana Online in Texas
Buying a katana online is the most popular option for Texas customers. Texas allows katana shipping and does not require any special registration.
Benefits of buying a katana online
- Larger selection of steels such as T10, 1095, 1060, and 9260
- Access to battle ready, full tang katanas
- Customization options
- Better pricing than most local stores
You can choose the sword you want and have it delivered directly to your door.
What Type of Katana Should Texas Buyers Choose
T10 Katana
Very hard, excellent edge retention, ideal for experienced cutters.
1095 High Carbon Steel Katana
Strong, sharp, and popular for cutting practice.
1060 Carbon Steel Katana
Flexible, durable, and great for beginners.
9260 Spring Steel Katana
High toughness and shock resistance, ideal for heavy training.
Folded Steel Katana
Beautiful layered patterns with reliable performance.
Clay Tempered Katana
Real hamon and traditional aesthetics.
For more information on steel options for katanas click here.
Why Texas Buyers Choose Pacific Armory
Pacific Armory is known for providing real high carbon steel katanas with fast delivery to Texas. Customers appreciate:
- Full tang, battle ready blades
- High carbon steels
- Clay tempered blades with real hamon
- Custom options
- Worldwide shipping
Frequently Asked Questions About Katana Legality in Texas
Are katanas legal in Texas
Yes. Katanas are legal to own, buy, and carry in most public places for adults.
Are swords legal in Texas
Yes. Swords are legal. The only limits involve restricted locations for long blades.
Can you carry a katana in Texas
Adults can carry a katana openly or concealed, except in specific restricted locations.
Can minors carry katanas in Texas
Minors cannot carry a location restricted knife in public without supervision.
Is it legal to buy katana online in Texas
Yes. Buying online and shipping to Texas is fully legal.
Are katanas legal in the USA
Yes. Most states allow sword ownership and Texas is one of the most permissive.
Conclusion: Texas Is a Great State To Own a Katana
Texas laws are clear and sword friendly. Katanas are legal to own, legal to buy, and legal to carry in most places for adults, with only specific protected locations off limits. If you live in Texas and want a real katana, the law is on your side.
Since you can legally purchase katanas in Texas, why wait. Buy one now. Here at Pacific Armory we ship katanas all over the world, including directly to your door in Texas. Get your next katana here.