Oregon Knife Laws 2025: Ownership, Carry, and Restrictions

Oregon’s approach to knife regulation presents a unique blend of permissiveness and strict control, distinguishing it from many other U.S. states. While the state generally allows individuals considerable freedom in the ownership and open carrying of various knife types, this leniency is carefully balanced by explicit restrictions concerning concealed carry and possession in specific sensitive locations. Navigating these regulations requires a thorough understanding of Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), particularly sections such as 166.240 pertaining to concealed weapons and 166.370 concerning weapons in public buildings. Furthermore, the absence of a statewide preemption law for knives means that local cities and counties retain the authority to enact their own ordinances, which may impose stricter rules than state law. Therefore, individuals must be diligently informed about both state statutes and local regulations to ensure compliance.

It is important to note that the information provided in this report is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals seeking guidance on their specific factual situations should always consult with independent legal counsel.

Knife Ownership in Oregon

Oregon law is notably broad regarding knife ownership, permitting the possession of almost any type of knife. This includes commonly used tools such as pocket knives, folding knives, utility knives, hunting knives, and large fixed blades. Remarkably, even knife types that face significant restrictions or outright prohibitions in many other jurisdictions, such as daggers, dirks, Bowie knives, stabbing knives, gravity knives, ballistic knives, butterfly knives (balisongs), switchblades, and Out-the-Front (OTF) automatic knives, are legal to own in Oregon. The state’s regulatory philosophy emphasizes how a knife is carried and the intent behind its use, rather than imposing blanket bans on specific knife designs.

Restrictions for Individuals with Felony Convictions (ORS 166.270)

A critical exception to Oregon’s general permissiveness in knife ownership applies to individuals with felony convictions. Under ORS 166.270, any person who has been convicted of a felony under the law of Oregon, any other state, or federal law is prohibited from owning or possessing “any instrument or weapon having a blade that projects or swings into place by force”. This specific prohibition targets automatic knives, switchblades, and other knives that deploy their blades through the force of a spring or centrifugal motion.

This restriction is not a sweeping ban on all knives for felons. Instead, it is precisely defined to address knives with particular opening mechanisms. For instance, a simple kitchen knife or a manually opening fixed-blade knife would generally not fall under this prohibition, whereas an automatic knife would. Court interpretations have reinforced this focus on functionality; the State v. Markwell case clarified that a blade opening rapidly with minimal pressure, even without a visible spring, can be considered to project by “force of spring” under this statute. This legal specificity underscores that the law’s concern for felons is directed at certain types of knives perceived as inherently more dangerous due to their rapid deployment capabilities, rather than a general disarmament.

Carrying Knives in Oregon

The legality of carrying a knife in Oregon hinges significantly on whether the knife is openly carried or concealed, and the type of knife involved.

Open Carry

Oregon law is quite permissive concerning the open carrying of knives. Most knives, including common pocket knives, hunting knives, large fixed blades, and even types like daggers, dirks, Bowie knives, butterfly knives, and switchblades, can be openly carried without legal issues for most adults not otherwise restricted (e.g., by a felony conviction).

For a knife to be considered openly carried, it must be visible and not hidden from view. This means the knife should be clearly discernible to an observer, whether carried in a visible belt sheath or with a pocket clip. The legal standard for what constitutes “concealed” in Oregon, as established in Oregon v Turner, states that a person violates ORS 166.240 by carrying a weapon that is “either not readily identifiable as a weapon or by attempting to obscure the fact that he is carrying a weapon on his person”. This interpretation extends beyond mere physical concealment; it implies that open carry requires the knife to be unambiguously visible, avoiding any appearance of intentional obscurity. If a knife is technically not hidden but is difficult to spot or appears to be intentionally obscured, it could still be interpreted as an attempt to conceal, potentially leading to legal complications under concealed carry statutes. The emphasis here is on transparency to avoid the appearance of illicit intent.

Concealed Carry (ORS 166.240)

Oregon law imposes stricter regulations on the concealed carrying of knives. ORS 166.240 explicitly prohibits carrying concealed upon one’s person any knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force. This category includes automatic knives, switchblades, OTF knives, and butterfly knives. Additionally, the concealed carrying of dirks, daggers, ice picks, slungshots, and metal knuckles is prohibited.

While the law restricts these specific types, ordinary pocket knives and folding knives are generally considered acceptable for concealed carry, particularly if their blade length is less than 15 cm (approximately 5.9 inches). However, a significant legal consideration arises from the broader interpretation of ORS 166.240. The statute allows for legal problems if any bladed knife, regardless of its type, is considered “dangerous” under the circumstances of its carry. The definition of a “dangerous weapon” under ORS 161.015 hinges on whether an object, “under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury”. This means that even a knife not explicitly listed as prohibited for concealed carry, such as a common folding knife, could still lead to charges if it is deemed a “dangerous weapon” based on the context of its carry or the possessor’s perceived intent. The law shifts from a simple categorical prohibition to a more nuanced assessment based on specific circumstances and the potential for harm. This explains why legal experts often advise caution regarding blade length for concealed carry, as a larger knife might more readily be perceived as “dangerous” even if it is an “ordinary pocket knife.”

The following table summarizes the types of knives specifically prohibited from concealed carry under ORS 166.240 and the associated penalties:

Restricted Locations for Knives (ORS 166.370)

Oregon law establishes strict prohibitions on carrying knives in certain sensitive public spaces, reflecting a strong emphasis on public safety in these environments. These restricted locations include:

• Public buildings, such as government offices.
• Court facilities, including courthouses.
• Schools and school properties, encompassing all levels from kindergarten through university.
• Airports, specifically the passenger terminals of commercial service airports with over one million passenger boardings per year.
• Private properties where knives and other weapons are expressly prohibited, typically indicated by posted signage. Individuals are expected to comply with such notices.

Exceptions for Ordinary Pocket Knives

A specific exception exists for “ordinary pocket knives” in public buildings and court facilities. An ordinary pocket knife with a blade less than four inches in length is generally permissible in these locations. However, it is crucial to understand that this exception is not absolute. Even a small, legally permissible pocket knife could potentially lead to a Class C felony charge if it is used or threatened to be used in a manner that makes it “readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury,” thereby classifying it as a “dangerous weapon” under ORS 161.015. This highlights that even for seemingly innocuous items, the user’s conduct and intent remain paramount, aligning with Oregon’s focus on “intent and usage” in its knife laws.

The following table outlines the restricted locations and the associated penalties under ORS 166.370:

Blade Length and Other Considerations

Oregon’s knife laws do not impose a specific blade-length limit for knives carried openly. This is a defining characteristic of the state’s generally permissive stance on knife ownership and open carry.

Practical Recommendations for Concealed Carry Blade Length

While no explicit blade length limit exists for concealed carry, the legal landscape becomes less clear and relies heavily on judicial interpretation and law enforcement discretion. Most legal experts recommend that individuals conceal knives under 4.75 inches (approximately 12 cm) to avoid potential legal issues. Knives with blades between 4.75 and 6 inches are often considered a “gray area,” where their legality can depend on the specific circumstances and how law enforcement interprets the situation. The absence of a strict numerical limit means that the determination of whether a knife is “dangerous” (and thus prohibited from concealed carry under the broader interpretation of ORS 166.240) is left to past court cases and the discretion of law enforcement. For example, in State v. Witherbee, a “six inch Survival Knife, not an ordinary pocket knife,” was found to be a concealed weapon. This illustrates that even if a knife does not fit the explicit categories of prohibited concealed knives (e.g., switchblades), its size and perceived potential for harm can still lead to legal issues if carried concealed. The “gray area” is not merely about the length itself, but how that length, combined with the knife’s design and the context of its carry, contributes to its classification as a “dangerous weapon.” This underscores the need for caution and adherence to practical recommendations.

Impact of Local Ordinances

Oregon does not have a statewide preemption law specifically for knives, meaning individual cities and counties within the state have the authority to enact their own knife ordinances. These local laws can be, and often are, stricter than state law. For instance, while state law may not ban minors from owning or carrying knives, local jurisdictions might impose such bans or set stricter age limits. This creates a complex regulatory environment where what is legal in one Oregon municipality might be illegal just a few miles away. This “patchwork” of laws significantly increases the burden on individuals to be aware of and comply with a potentially diverse set of local regulations. It means that a person cannot assume that state-level permissiveness extends uniformly across all parts of Oregon, necessitating diligent research into local rules for anyone traveling or residing in different jurisdictions within the state.

Special Legal Considerations

Beyond general ownership and carry laws, specific considerations apply to minors and the interpretation of key statutory definitions.

Minors and Knife Laws

Oregon does not have a specific state law that bans individuals under the age of 18 from owning or carrying knives. Consequently, in most situations, a minor can legally possess a knife. However, this general permissiveness is tempered by several factors. Certain knife types, such as switchblades, daggers, or other designs considered “dangerous,” may still be subject to restrictions, particularly concerning concealed carry. More significantly, despite the state’s lenient stance, local cities and counties may have their own stricter rules regarding minors and knives. Furthermore, schools and school properties universally prohibit knives, regardless of how they are carried. The absence of a state-wide ban on minors owning or carrying knives, coupled with the emphasis on local ordinances and school policies, strongly implies that the primary responsibility for ensuring safe and legal knife use by minors falls upon parents or guardians. There is no specific state law noted regarding the sale of knives to minors, further reinforcing this. This legal framework places a significant onus on parents to educate their children about knife safety, local restrictions, and school rules. Parents could potentially face legal repercussions if a minor under their care violates local ordinances or if the knife is used in a manner that constitutes a “dangerous weapon” offense. This highlights a trust-based approach in state law, but one that requires active engagement from guardians.

Key Statutory Definitions (ORS 161.015)

Understanding the definitions of “dangerous weapon” and “deadly weapon” is crucial, as these terms determine the severity of charges for certain knife-related offenses in Oregon.

• “Dangerous Weapon” (ORS 161.015): This term is defined as “any weapon, device, instrument, material or substance which under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury”. This definition emphasizes the context and manner of use rather than the inherent nature of the object. Court interpretations have clarified that even ordinary objects, such as scalding hot water or an automobile, can be considered dangerous weapons depending on how they are used or threatened to be used. This explicit wording signifies that the classification of an object as a “dangerous weapon” is highly fluid and context-dependent. For knives, this means that any knife, regardless of its type or length, could be deemed a “dangerous weapon” if the situation involves its use or threatened use in a way that is capable of causing serious harm. This principle underpins many of the ambiguities and cautions discussed regarding concealed carry and restricted locations.
• “Deadly Weapon” (ORS 161.015): In contrast, a “deadly weapon” is defined as “any instrument, article or substance specifically designed for and presently capable of causing death or serious physical injury”. This definition focuses on the inherent design and immediate capability of the object. This distinction is crucial because “deadly weapon” implies an inherent nature (e.g., a dagger designed for stabbing), whereas “dangerous weapon” can be any object made dangerous by its use. While many knives could potentially fall under both definitions depending on the circumstances, the distinction can affect how charges are framed and the severity of penalties, particularly if the law specifies “deadly weapon” in a given offense.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of Oregon’s knife laws can result in significant legal consequences, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the nature and location of the offense.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon (ORS 166.240)

Concealing certain prohibited knives, such as switchblades, dirks, daggers, ice picks, or any knife that projects by spring or centrifugal force, is classified as a Class B Misdemeanor. The potential penalties for a Class B Misdemeanor include up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. While these statutory maximum penalties are significant, there is a practical tendency for courts to impose less severe sentences for first-time, non-violent Class B misdemeanor offenses. Judges often focus on alternative punishments like probation or community service, and may impose reduced fines. However, even with such leniency, a conviction will result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences.

Possession of a Weapon in a Public Building (ORS 166.370)

Bringing a dangerous weapon, including specific knives, into public buildings or court facilities constitutes a Class C Felony. The penalties for a Class C Felony are substantially more severe, potentially including up to five years in prison and/or fines reaching $125,000. The marked difference in penalties between a Class B Misdemeanor for concealed carry and a Class C Felony for possession in restricted locations is a clear legislative signal. This severe disparity in penalties demonstrates Oregon’s strong public policy emphasis on maintaining safety and security in sensitive public spaces. The law treats the act of bringing a potentially dangerous item into a courthouse or school as a far more egregious offense than merely concealing a prohibited knife elsewhere. This distinction is paramount for individuals to understand the varying levels of risk and the state’s intent to deter such actions in protected environments.

Conclusion

Oregon’s knife laws offer a nuanced framework that grants considerable freedom in knife ownership and open carry for most types of knives. However, this freedom is significantly curtailed by strict regulations governing concealed carry of specific knife types (e.g., automatics, daggers) and possession in designated restricted locations (e.g., public buildings, schools, courthouses).

The determination of legality often extends beyond simple knife type or blade length, incorporating the definitions of “dangerous weapon” and “deadly weapon.” These definitions introduce a critical “circumstance of use” and “intent” element, meaning that even otherwise legal knives can lead to severe penalties if used or carried with malicious intent. The absence of a statewide preemption law means that local ordinances can impose additional restrictions, creating a complex legal landscape that varies by jurisdiction. Furthermore, specific limitations apply to individuals with felony convictions and minors, requiring careful attention to these particular circumstances.

Given the complexities, ambiguities, and potential for severe penalties associated with violations, individuals should always obtain independent legal counsel regarding their specific factual situation to ensure full compliance with Oregon’s knife laws.