Oregon’s knife laws are relatively permissive compared to many other states, but there are important distinctions between open and concealed carry, as well as specific restrictions on certain knife types and locations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you need to know about carrying pocket knives in Oregon as of 2025.
Ownership: Most Knives Are Legal
- Legal to Own: Oregon law allows individuals to own virtually any type of knife, including pocket knives, folding knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, and fixed blades.
- No Statewide Ban: There are no categories of knives that are outright illegal to own or possess in Oregon.
Open Carry: Broad Freedom
- Open Carry is Legal: You can openly carry most knives, including pocket knives, hunting knives, and even large fixed blades, without restriction on blade length at the state level.
- Visibility Matters: Open carry means the knife is visible and not hidden from plain view. This is legal for most adults not otherwise restricted (such as felons).
- Local Laws: Oregon does not have statewide preemption, so local cities and counties may impose stricter rules. Always check local ordinances before carrying a knife in public.
Concealed Carry: Key Restrictions
- Manual Folding Pocket Knives: Concealed carry of manual folding knives (traditional pocket knives) is generally legal, especially if the blade is under 4.75 inches. There is no explicit statewide blade length limit, but knives under 4.75 inches are widely considered safe for concealed carry.
- Prohibited for Concealed Carry: It is illegal to carry the following knives concealed:
- Switchblades (automatic knives)
- Assisted opening knives
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Dirks, daggers, and ice picks
- Definition of Concealed: A knife is considered concealed if it is not readily identifiable as a weapon or if there is an attempt to obscure it (e.g., fully inside a pocket). Carrying a knife clipped to the outside of a pocket, where it is visible, may not be considered concealed, but there is no definitive case law on this point.
Restricted Locations
- Public Buildings and Schools: Oregon law prohibits carrying any knife in public buildings and court facilities, except for an ordinary pocket knife with a blade less than four inches in length. Schools and certain government buildings are strict no-knife zones, regardless of carry method.
- Penalties: Violating these location-based restrictions can result in felony charges, with severe penalties including prison time and large fines.
Special Considerations
- Minors: There is no statewide law specifically banning minors from owning or carrying knives, but local ordinances and school policies may impose stricter rules.
- Felons: Individuals with felony convictions are generally prohibited from possessing weapons, including many types of knives.
- Intent and Use: The legality of carrying a knife can also depend on its intended use. Carrying for legitimate purposes (work, recreation, utility) is less likely to be scrutinized than carrying for self-defense or with intent to use as a weapon.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Oregon
| Activity/Location | Legal Status | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Own a pocket knife | Legal | No statewide ownership restrictions |
| Open carry (any pocket knife) | Legal | No blade length limit; check local laws |
| Concealed carry (manual folding, <4.75”) | Legal | Widely considered safe; no explicit state limit |
| Concealed carry (auto, assisted, butterfly, dirk, dagger, ice pick) | Illegal | Strictly prohibited; Class B misdemeanor |
| Carry in public buildings/schools | Illegal (unless ordinary pocket knife <4”) | Felony charges possible |
| Felon in possession | Illegal | Felony charges possible |
Oregon allows broad ownership and open carry of pocket knives and most other knives. Concealed carry is legal for manual folding knives (pocket knives) with blades under 4.75 inches, but strictly prohibited for switchblades, assisted openers, butterfly knives, dirks, daggers, and ice picks.
Carrying any knife in public buildings or schools is largely banned, with only small pocket knives (under 4 inches) allowed in some cases. Always check local ordinances, as city and county rules may be stricter than state law.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/oregon/
- https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/oregon-knife-laws
- https://www.oregongunlaw.com/post/oregon-knife-laws
- https://www.kollielaw.com/single-post/the-oregon-knife-law-guide