John Tufts

San Angelo (Texas) Standard-Times

SAN ANGELO, Texas — 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."

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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.

Violating the law could result in a third-degree felony charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.

People on social media have had quite a bit to say about the new law.

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

From Facebook we get: Supportive

"I carry a pocket knife on my hip everyday. Have forever. Never killed myself or anyone else with it. Doubt I would if I chose to carry something bigger."

– Charles Hodges

"Not too worried about it. Everyone made a big stink about open carry and I have not seen people going around shooting up people left and right like so many people said would happen. This won't be any different."

– Sandy Seidel

Skeptical

"Who needs to walk down the street with a machete, seriously?"

– Carrie Bryant Aschilean.

"I carry a knife as a tool that I use. (I) don't really think anybody needs to carry a machete, or any knife bigger that 5 inches, unless you are a butcher."

– Ben Badillo

Lighthearted

"Let's see ... car keys, phone, wallet, what am I forgetting?? Oh ya machete ... now I'm ready!"

– Jennifer Acosta

Then, there's Twitter: