What type of weapon is classified as prohibited under penal code regulations?

A switch knife, often referred to as a switchblade, is classified as a prohibited weapon under Texas Penal Code regulations. This classification is based on the fact that switchblades have a spring-operated mechanism that allows the blade to be deployed automatically with the push of a button or similar action, which raises concerns about their potential for use in violent encounters.

The regulation around switchblades is intended to mitigate risks associated with their accessibility and use in confrontational or illegal activities. In contrast, handguns and stun guns do not fall under the same prohibitive legal definitions when possessed in accordance with Texas law, as handguns can be legally owned and carried with the proper permits and regulations, while stun guns are often considered less lethal and are typically legal to possess under certain conditions.