Oregon is one of the most organized states in America, the main thing that makes it well-organized is its strict rules against criminal activities. These rules help to reduce the criminal activity ratio but one of the most important rules is their Knife Laws which are efficient and help people for their security and self-defense.
According to Oregon Knife laws, it is legal to own any knife and carry any type of knife unless you are involved in a criminal activity just like SC Knife laws. There are also some restrictions for carrying knives that are important to consider.
According to O.R.S (166.240), it prohibits carrying “Any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force”. Continue reading for more information regarding knife laws as well as carry as per Oregon knife laws.
What are Oregon Knife Laws for Fixed Blade:
In Oregon knife laws, it is legal to own and carry fixed-blade knives. Fixed-blade knives are ‘Switchblade, Automatic knives, Ballistic and Gravity knives”. All these fixed-blade knives are allowed to be carried in the open but it is illegal to hide or conceal all these knives.
There are a few exceptions to concealed fixed-blade knives. For instance, it is legal to conceal a fixed-blade knife if you are:
- A licensed security guard
- Law enforcement (Police, Military, etc.)
- Carrying a knife for legal use like for self-defense or use as a tool
| Type of Knife/Weapon | Legal Status in Oregon | Relevant Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) |
| Pocket Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Folding Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Switchblades | Illegal | ORS 166.240 |
| Balisongs (Butterfly Knives) | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Gravity Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Fixed-Blade Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Throwing Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Dirks and Daggers | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Brass Knuckles | Illegal | ORS 166.510 |
| Nunchaku | Generally Legal | ORS 166.510 |
| Stun Guns/Tasers | Generally Legal | ORS 166.260 |
| Firearms | Subject to Regulation | Various ORS, consult Oregon State Police |
1. Oregon Knife Laws Length
In Oregon, All knives are legal in terms of ownership and possession. The exact length of any knife is not specific it is between (4.75 to 6 inches). This law acts as the same for Wisconsin knife laws & their limitations.
To avoid any confusion or remain on the safe side your knife will be maximum or equal to 4.75 inches. The government has decided that this length(4.75)is suitable for any type of situation.
2. Oregon Knife Laws For Minors
In Oregon, there is no age restriction to carry a knife with you. It is such an amazing fact that there is no age limit to carry a knife for security or self-defense.
But it doesn’t mean you will do whatever you want, it is very risky because if you are caught in a criminal activity. Your whole life becomes in danger and your student life will also be affected.
3. Open Carry Knife Oregon
Oregon laws, do not restrict the open fixed-blade knife or any knife of any length. It is restricted to the concealment of the knife, but this concealment is allowed in some situations.
Here are some important safety tips for carrying an open knife in Oregon:
- Keep the knife in a strong secure sheath.
- Do not draw the knife until you are not in severe condition.
- If you do draw the knife, then prepare yourself for an immediate response or self-defense.
Are gravity knives legal in Oregon?
Yes, Gravity knives are legal in Oregon. It is the main type of fixed-blade knife, All fixed-blade knives are legal, but the restriction is that you cannot hide the knife in your pocket or anywhere.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Oregon?
NO, Butterfly knives are not completely illegal in Oregon, but it is illegal in some cases. Firstly, you need to understand which category butterfly knives belong to.
Moreover, It belongs to the (stabbing category) which is legal to carry in the open but if you hide or conceal it becomes illegal. Strict action can be taken by the authorities.
Different Cities in Oregon and Their Knife Laws:
1. Portland Oregon knife laws
Knife laws in Portland are the same as that followed all over Oregon. Portland knife laws stated that “If you are a citizen of Portland and there is no criminal record of yourself, there are no restrictions on you.
You can own and carry all the knives you want, but if you are caught during some illegal activities and declared a criminal then you are not allowed to own and carry any type of knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force”.
2. Eugene Oregon knife laws
Eugene is considered to be the most lenient city in Oregon, its knife laws are familiar to other cities unlike Arizona & its knife-based cities. According to their laws, “there are no such strict restrictions to own and carry the knife in Eugene until you are not criminal”.
Oregon Knife Laws – Are OTF Knife Legal?
Oregon is one of the most organized states in America, the main thing that makes it well-organized is its strict rules against criminal activities. These rules help to reduce the criminal activity ratio but one of the most important rules is their Knife Laws which are efficient and help people for their security and self-defense.
According to Oregon Knife laws, it is legal to own any knife and carry any type of knife unless you are involved in a criminal activity just like SC Knife laws. There are also some restrictions for carrying knives that are important to consider.
According to O.R.S (166.240), it prohibits carrying “Any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force”. Continue reading for more information regarding knife laws as well as carry laws in Oregon.
What are Oregon Knife Laws for Fixed Blade:
In Oregon, it is legal to own and carry fixed-blade knives with us. Fixed-blade knives are ‘Switchblade, Automatic knives, Ballistic and Gravity knives”. All these fixed-blade knives are allowed to be carried in the open but it is illegal to hide or conceal all these knives.
There are a few exceptions to concealed fixed-blade knives. For instance, it is legal to conceal a fixed-blade knife if you are:
- A licensed security guard
- Law enforcement (Police, Military, etc.)
- Carrying a knife for legal use like for self-defense or use as a tool
| Type of Knife/Weapon | Legal Status in Oregon | Relevant Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) |
| Pocket Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Folding Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Switchblades | Illegal | ORS 166.240 |
| Balisongs (Butterfly Knives) | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Gravity Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Fixed-Blade Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Throwing Knives | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Dirks and Daggers | Generally Legal | ORS 166.240 |
| Brass Knuckles | Illegal | ORS 166.510 |
| Nunchaku | Generally Legal | ORS 166.510 |
| Stun Guns/Tasers | Generally Legal | ORS 166.260 |
| Firearms | Subject to Regulation | Various ORS, consult Oregon State Police |
1. Oregon Knife Laws Length
In Oregon, All knives are legal in terms of ownership and possession. The exact length of any knife is not specific it is between (4.75 to 6 inches). This law acts as the same for Wisconsin knife laws & their limitations.
To avoid any confusion or remain on the safe side your knife will be maximum or equal to 4.75 inches. The government has decided that this length(4.75)is suitable for any type of situation.
2. Oregon Knife Laws For Minors
In Oregon, there is no age restriction to carry a knife with you. It is such an amazing fact that there is no age limit to carry a knife for security or self-defense.
But it doesn’t mean you will do whatever you want, it is very risky because if you are caught in a criminal activity. Your whole life becomes in danger and your student life will also be affected.
3. Open Carry Knife Oregon
Oregon laws, do not restrict the open fixed-blade knife or any knife of any length. It is restricted to the concealment of the knife, but this concealment is allowed in some situations.
Here are some important safety tips for carrying an open knife in Oregon:
- Keep the knife in a strong secure sheath.
- Do not draw the knife until you are not in severe condition.
- If you do draw the knife, then prepare yourself for an immediate response or self-defense.
Are gravity knives legal in Oregon?
Yes, Gravity knives are legal in Oregon. It is the main type of fixed-blade knife, All fixed-blade knives are legal, but the restriction is that you cannot hide the knife in your pocket or anywhere.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Oregon?
NO, Butterfly knives are not completely illegal in Oregon, but it is illegal in some cases. Firstly, you need to understand which category butterfly knives belong to.
Moreover, It belongs to the (stabbing category) which is legal to carry in the open but if you hide or conceal it becomes illegal. Strict action can be taken by the authorities.
Different Cities in Oregon and Their Knife Laws:
1. Portland Oregon knife laws
Knife laws in Portland are the same as that followed all over Oregon. Portland knife laws stated that “If you are a citizen of Portland and there is no criminal record of yourself, there are no restrictions on you.
You can own and carry all the knives you want, but if you are caught during some illegal activities and declared a criminal then you are not allowed to own and carry any type of knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force”.
2. Eugene Oregon knife laws
Eugene is considered to be the most lenient city in Oregon, its knife laws are familiar to other cities unlike Arizona & its knife-based cities. According to Oregon Knife laws, “there are no such strict restrictions to own and carry the knife in Eugene until you are not criminal”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is it legal to carry an AXE in Oregon?
The state of Oregon allows anyone to carry a melee weapon. As a 14-year-old, I carried a combat knife and axe.
Can I carry my pistol in Oregon?
Yes, of course. In Oregon Knife laws, firearms are allowed to be carried openly. This means that you are allowed to carry a handgun or pistol that is visible to members of the public. There are some states, such as Hawaii, that require you to have a license to open carry.
Is Oregon still an open-carry state?
Local cities and counties can place restrictions on who may carry openly in public places (including vehicles) without a license. 18 is the minimum age as per Oregon Knife laws. There are some areas off-limits, including federal facilities.
In Conclusion:
Oregon knife laws are generally considered to be the most efficient in the country. However, there are still some important restrictions to keep in mind, especially regarding the concealed carry of certain types of knives.
If you are not about whether or not it is legal to carry a particular type of knife in a particular place, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with an attorney. In the end, make sure to follow these rules accurately for the best results in this state of the USA.