A new law on knives in Texas means long knives like swords, daggers and even machetes soon will be legal to carry in public.
Double-edged knives and blades longer than five-and-a-half inches also will be allowed starting Sept. 1.
State Rep. John Frullo, R-Lubbock, introduced the bill during the last legislative session, arguing the current rules are outdated and confusing.
Exceptions include places like schools, bars and churches.
At the House of Blades, Fort Worth's largest knife store, manager Matt Salazar said he expected a jump in business.
"Lately there's been a lot of fuss about the new law," Salazar said.
Customers welcomed the change.
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"I don't see any problem with it," said Jason Hoch, a visitor from Pennsylvania. "I mean, a lot of hunting and stuff down here, outdoor sports."
Another customer, Dee Dean, of Lake Worth, agreed.
"If someone wanted to do something wrong they can do it with a little (knife) or a long one, so I don't think it matters," he said.
Switchblades – also known as automatic knives – were made legal in Texas in 2013.
