Oregon’s knife laws are among the more permissive in the United States, but there are important restrictions on how and where you can carry certain knives. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law in 2025:
Knife Ownership in Oregon
- Legal to Own: You can legally own almost any type of knife in Oregon, including switchblades, butterfly knives, daggers, dirks, gravity knives, and bowie knives.
- No Statewide Ban: There is no category of knife that is outright illegal to own in Oregon.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
| Carry Type | What’s Allowed | What’s Restricted/Illegal |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carry | Most knives, including large fixed blades, switchblades, and butterfly knives. | Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. |
| Concealed | Folding/pocket knives (generally, if not “dangerous weapons”). | Switchblades, automatic knives, butterfly knives, dirks, daggers, ice picks, and assisted opening knives. |
- Open Carry: Carrying a knife openly (visible and not hidden) is legal for most adults, except in certain restricted locations.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of certain knives-such as switchblades, butterfly knives, dirks, daggers, and ice picks-is illegal and can result in a Class B misdemeanor.
Blade Length Restrictions
- No Statewide Limit: Oregon law does not specify a maximum blade length for knives carried openly or concealed.
- Practical Guidance: Legal experts recommend keeping blades under 4.75 inches to avoid legal ambiguity, especially for concealed carry.
- Public Buildings: In public buildings and court facilities, only ordinary pocket knives with blades under four inches are allowed.
Restricted Locations
- Public Buildings & Schools: Carrying any knife (except a pocketknife under four inches) in public buildings, schools, or court facilities is prohibited.
- Penalty: Violating these location-based restrictions can result in a Class C felony, with penalties up to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000.
Local Ordinances
- No State Preemption: Oregon does not have a statewide preemption law for knives, meaning cities and counties can enact stricter rules.
- Check Local Laws: Always check local ordinances before carrying a knife, as some municipalities may have additional restrictions.
Knife Laws for Minors and Felons
- Minors: No statewide law prohibits minors from owning or carrying knives, but local rules and school policies often do.
- Felons: Individuals convicted of a felony are generally prohibited from possessing knives classified as weapons.
Penalties for Violations
- Concealed Carry of Prohibited Knives: Class B misdemeanor; up to six months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.
- Carrying in Restricted Locations: Class C felony; up to five years in prison and/or a $125,000 fine.
Table: Oregon Knife Law Quick Reference
| Legal Aspect | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Restricted Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switchblade/Automatic Knife | Yes | No | No (except pocketknife <4″) |
| Butterfly Knife | Yes | No | No (except pocketknife <4″) |
| Dirk/Dagger/Ice Pick | Yes | No | No (except pocketknife <4″) |
| Ordinary Pocket Knife | Yes | Yes | Yes, if blade <4″ |
| Any Knife (General) | Yes | Depends | No in schools/courts/public buildings |
Best Practices for Knife Owners in Oregon
- Carry openly if in doubt, and ensure the knife is visible.
- Avoid carrying knives in schools, court facilities, and public buildings.
- Check local laws before carrying, especially when traveling between cities or counties.
- Do not conceal automatic, assisted-opening, butterfly, or stabbing knives.
- If you are a minor or a felon, consult local rules or legal counsel before carrying any knife.
Oregon allows broad knife ownership and open carry, but concealed carry of certain knives and possession in sensitive locations are strictly regulated. Always check local rules and err on the side of visibility and caution to avoid serious legal consequences.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/oregon/
[2] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/oregon-knife-laws/
[3] https://www.oregongunlaw.com/post/oregon-knife-laws
[4] https://www.kollielaw.com/single-post/the-oregon-knife-law-guide
[5] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/oregon-knife-laws/