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Oregon knife laws are quite simple, but there are many missing things and details that are only found in court decisions or case law. Here is what you have to know about knife laws in Oregon.
What knives are legal to own in Oregon?
You can own all stabbing knives you want in Oregon – stilettos, daggers, dirks, and others. You can also own switchblades and other types of automatic knives, not to mention balisong knives. Bowie knives are also legal, as well as other large hunting knives. While banned in many states, ballistic knives are allowed too – plus, you can own gravity knives without worrying about breaking the law.
What knives are illegal to own in Oregon?
There are no banned knives in Oregon. Instead, there are people who are banned from owning knives. The ownership of any type of knife is restricted for those with convictions – felonies only. Other than that, people can own any knife they want.
What are the limits on carry?
If you are allowed to own a knife, you are also allowed to carry it in the open. There are no restrictions whatsoever if the knife is visible, and there are no bans against you.
Concealed Carry
Most restrictions target concealed carry. Basically, you are allowed to conceal carry a pocketknife. Other than that, you cannot conceal stabbing knives of any kind or gravity knives. Butterfly or bali knives cannot be conceal carried either. In fact, any knife whose blade projects or swing with a spring or pure force cannot be conceal carried.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
Knives are banned in all schools and everything related to schools – safety zones, grounds, transportation, or activities organized by schools, even if they are not held on school grounds.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer of knives. After all, there are no banned knives in Oregon, so there are no rules about passing knives over.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
There is no statewide pre-emption.
| City, State | Law Title/ Chapter/ Section | Concealed Carry Legal Yes/No Folder/Length | Short description from the law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro, OR | 9.12.010 & 12.36.040 | ? | are prohibited within the Civic Center Block any knife sharpened on both edges; (ordinary pocket knife, OK) |
| Carlton, OR | 9.02.005 | It is unlawful for any person to carry concealed about his person, in any manner, or any knife (other than an ordinary pocket knife) | |
| Enterprise, OR | 9.28.020 | It is unlawful for any person to carry concealed about his person, in any manner, or any knife (other than an ordinary pocket knife) | |
| Independence, OR | Sec. 18-233 | "ordinary pocket knife" is one with a maximum blade length of three and one-half inches, | |
| Lebanon, OR | 9.20.010 | Y <3.5" | other than an ordinary pocket knife with a blade less than three and one-half inches long |
| Ontario, OR | 06-01-2021 | It shall be unlawful for any person to carry concealed about his person in any manner, any knife, other than an ordinary pocketknife | |
| Troutdale, OR | 9.48.010 | Y <3.5" | an ordinary pocketknife with a blade less than three and one-half inches long |
Major Cities in Oregon with Knife Ordinances
There are no major cities in Oregon with knife ordinances. Portland tried to get such an ordinance, but it was invalidated by the Oregon Supreme Court.
Exceptions
Carry restrictions do not apply to government officials, law enforcement officers, or military personnel while they are on duty.
Summary of Knife Laws in Oregon
Oregon does not have too many restrictions. After all, you can own any knife you want. You can open carry any knife you have. However, there are a few restrictions regarding concealed carry for particular types of knives. Plus, there are restrictions against those with felony convictions. Furthermore, there are no critical dimensions to keep in mind either.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
