Understanding Your Knife Rights in Oregon: A Legal Guide

Oregon’s knife laws grant broad rights to own and openly carry most knives, but there are important restrictions on concealed carry and certain locations. Here’s what you need to know to stay legal in 2025.

Legal to Own and Open Carry

You can legally own and openly carry almost any type of knife in Oregon, including folding knives, fixed blades, switchblades, butterfly (balisong) knives, gravity knives, and even OTF (out-the-front) knives.
Open carry means the knife is visible and not hidden from ordinary view. There is no statewide blade length limit for open carry.

Concealed Carry Restrictions

Strictly prohibited for concealed carry: Switchblades, automatic knives, butterfly knives, gravity knives, dirks, daggers, ice picks, and any knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by spring or centrifugal force.
Manual folding pocketknives with a blade under 4.75 inches are generally allowed for concealed carry.
Concealed carry is defined as carrying a knife in a way that is not readily identifiable as a weapon or is intentionally obscured (e.g., fully inside a pocket or bag).
Carrying a prohibited knife concealed is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or fines.

Location-Based Restrictions

It is illegal to carry any knife in certain public places-such as courthouses, schools, and most public buildings-regardless of whether the knife is concealed or openly carried.
The only exception is for ordinary pocketknives with blades less than four inches in length in some public buildings.
Always check for posted signs and local ordinances, as cities and counties may have stricter rules.

Local Ordinances and Exceptions

Oregon does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, meaning local governments can enact stricter regulations.
Law enforcement and military personnel may have certain exceptions when acting in the scope of their duties.

Penalties for Violations

Concealed carry of a prohibited knife: Class B misdemeanor (up to six months in jail and/or fines).
Carrying a knife in a restricted location (like a courthouse): Can be charged as a Class C felony, with severe penalties including imprisonment and large fines.

Key Takeaways

Open carry: Most knives are legal, no blade length limit.
Concealed carry: Strictly limited-manual folding knives under 4.75″ are safest.
Restricted places: Never carry knives in schools, courthouses, or public buildings.
Local laws: Always check city/county rules for additional restrictions.

Staying informed and cautious about how and where you carry your knife ensures you remain within Oregon’s legal boundaries.

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