Carrying a knife in Oregon is generally legal, but the rules can be tricky, especially when it comes to concealed carry and specific knife types.
While owning and using knives like pocket knives and folding knives is allowed, there are restrictions based on the type of knife and how it is carried. This guide aims to help you understand Oregon’s knife laws to ensure you stay within the legal boundaries.
Legal Facts About Knife Laws in Oregon
In Oregon, it’s legal to own and carry most knives openly. This includes commonly owned knives like folding knives, ordinary pocket knives, and fixed blades. However, the laws get more complex when it comes to carrying a knife concealed.
Oregon has specific restrictions on certain types of knives and where they can be carried, with additional regulations focusing on public safety.
For example, knives that project or swing into position by force, such as switchblades and butterfly knives, cannot be carried concealed. Carrying such knives in this manner may result in serious legal consequences, including a Class B misdemeanor. The law focuses on the safety risks posed by these knives when they are concealed.
Legal Carrying of Knives in Oregon
Open Carry: Most knives can be carried openly without restriction. This includes folding knives, pocket knives, and fixed blades.
Concealed Carry: The concealed carry of knives is subject to more rules. For example, carrying a knife that operates by spring or centrifugal force, such as an automatic knife or a butterfly knife, is prohibited unless it is carried in a lawful manner.
Sensitive Areas: Knives are not allowed in specific places like public buildings, courthouses, and schools, regardless of size or type. This ensures that knives are not misused in environments where they could cause harm or damage.
Types of Knives Regulated Under Oregon Law
Oregon’s knife laws are particularly concerned with knives that have mechanisms or designs that could make them dangerous if misused.
Automatic Knives and Butterfly Knives: These knives have blades that project or swing into position using a spring or centrifugal force. They can be owned openly but cannot be carried concealed without risking legal issues.
Assisted Opening Knives: These knives open quickly but are not necessarily prohibited for open carry. However, using them in restricted areas or carrying them concealed may still violate the law.
Large Bladed Knives: Any knife with a blade longer than four inches is scrutinized more carefully, especially when concealed. While it is legal to carry such knives openly, carrying them concealed could lead to legal problems.
Blade Length Restrictions
Oregon law does not set a general blade-length limit for knives carried openly. However, for concealed carry, knives with a blade longer than four inches could be treated as dangerous weapons.
Oregon law specifies that carrying a concealed weapon with a blade longer than four inches could result in legal consequences, especially if the knife is considered a deadly weapon under the law.
Spring-Mechanism Knives
Oregon law specifically targets knives that use a spring mechanism or centrifugal force to open. Switchblade knives, automatic knives, and butterfly knives are restricted from being carried concealed. Although these knives are legal to own and carry openly, carrying them concealed may lead to a Class B misdemeanor charge.
Knife Laws and Public Safety
The state’s knife laws aim to protect public safety, especially in areas where knives could pose a risk of harm or injury. Some of the safety concerns addressed include:
Public Buildings and Court Facilities: It is illegal to carry any knife in public buildings, including courthouses and schools. This applies to all knives, regardless of size, including pocket knives.
Concealed Carry of Dangerous Knives: Carrying a concealed knife that is classified as a dangerous weapon under Oregon law can result in serious penalties. If a knife projects or swings into position by force, such as in an automatic knife or butterfly knife, the penalties could include a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to six months in jail or a $5,000 fine.
Penalties for Violating Oregon Knife Laws
Violating Oregon’s knife laws can result in penalties, especially if a person is caught carrying a knife classified as a dangerous weapon or if the knife is carried in a restricted location. Some potential legal consequences include:
Class B Misdemeanor: For carrying a concealed knife that is classified as a dangerous weapon, individuals can face a Class B misdemeanor charge. This can lead to a fine of up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
Criminal Record: Being convicted of violating knife laws could result in a criminal record, which may have long-lasting consequences.
It’s essential to be cautious about how and where you carry your knife, especially in public or restricted areas.
In Oregon, it’s legal to own and carry many types of knives, but the laws get complicated when it comes to carrying them concealed. Knives with spring or centrifugal mechanisms, such as switchblades and butterfly knives, are restricted from being carried concealed.
Additionally, carrying a knife in public buildings, schools, or courthouses is prohibited, regardless of the knife type. To avoid legal trouble, always ensure you comply with Oregon’s regulations on knife ownership and carrying.
