Knife Laws in Oregon: What Size is Legal to Carry?
When it comes to knife laws in Oregon, they are considered one of the most lenient states in the country. It’s legal to own any knife and also legal to open carry any knife unless you are a felon. Some components of the law can be complicated and difficult to understand. There are certain restrictions that may be important to consider. Many local city governments have their own laws which may prove more strict and can override the state knife laws. Continue reading for more information regarding knife laws as well as concealed carry laws in Oregon.
What size knife is legal to carry in Oregon?
Basically, all knives are legal in Oregon when speaking of ownership and possession. If you are a convicted felon, the laws become more restrictive. With that said, the length limit of knives is where Oregon laws become a bit hazy. There isn’t a specific law that states what is legal and what isn’t. A lot is determined by the rulings of previous court cases. The exact limit on knife length isn’t specifically defined but lands somewhere between 4.75 and 6 inches. To avoid any confusion and stay within safe boundaries, it’s safest to have knives 4.75 inches or shorter. Essentially, law enforcement decides if a length is legal according to each situation.
Are Switchblades Legal in Oregon?
In regards to owning knives in Oregon, it’s always safest to know the law so no crime is being committed. It is legal to own ANY fixed blade knife as well as any switchblade or automatic knife.
Are Butterfly Knives Legal in Oregon?
When carried openly, there are no legal consequences for carrying a butterfly knife in Oregon. However, because they fall under the stabbing category, they are illegal to carry concealed. As long as you don’t attempt to hide these knives on your person, you can carry butterfly knives freely.
Concealed Carry Laws in Oregon with Knives
The Oregon law on concealed carry of knives leaves nothing to the imagination. It clearly states: “Any person who carries concealed upon the person any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, any dirk, dagger, ice pick, slingshot, metal knuckles or any similar instrument by the use of which injury could be inflicted upon the person or property of any other person commits a Class B Misdemeanor.”
It may be helpful to specify the definitions of a few keywords stated in the concealed carry law. A “dagger” is defined as a short knife used for stabbing. Historically, daggers came in several varieties. A “dirk” was simply a kind of dagger with a blade approximately 18 inches long.
Penalties For Violating Knife Laws in Oregon
So what are the consequences of violating knife laws in Oregon? Possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon in a public building or court facility will land you a Class C felony with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000.
Additionally, if you are caught carrying a concealed weapon, you may receive a Class B misdemeanor with a penalty of up to six months in jail accompanied by a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
2023 Oregon Knife Laws
Each state has different regulations on the types of knives that people can have. Certain knives are used mainly for protection, hunting, and utility or handyman work. The only rule in Oregon states that a person who has committed a felony cannot own one. The types of knives people can own in Oregon include:
Dirks
Daggers
Stabbing Knives
Bowie Knives
Switchblades
Ballistic Knives
Gravity Knives
Balison (Butterfly ) Knives
In regards to concealed carry, the only type of knives prohibited are:
Ice Picks
Dirks
Daggers
Automatic Knives
Assisted Opening Knives
Where You Can’t Carry a Knife in Oregon
When it comes to restricted locations, the possession of any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife with a blade less than four inches in length is a violation. There are basically two types of locations that carry restrictions. One is public buildings and the other is court facilities.
Self-Defense Laws in Oregon
Typically, the Oregon criminal code makes it unlawful to assault and kill another person. However, there are exceptions to this rule under Oregon self-defense laws. Within very specific circumstances, it can be lawful to assault and even kill another individual without being convicted of a crime. This doesn’t mean that the state of Oregon can’t file criminal charges against you for killing or assaulting someone.
Under Oregon self-defense law, there are several things that justify a person using physical force for defense. This includes defending yourself or the defense of another person. It also includes defending your property or the property of another person. There are also specific circumstances when a person is justified in using deadly force for self-defense purposes in Oregon.
The law in Oregon states that “A person may use physical force upon another person in self-defense or in defending a third person in defending property, in making a citizen’s arrest or in preventing an escape.” A person may defend one's life, the life of another, or defend their property no matter the location.
Some states require that a “duty to retreat” must happen before using means to defend oneself. However, in Oregon, there is no such ruling. That is to say that Oregon does not require an attempt to escape an encounter before the use of deadly force. In order to be justified in self-defense of yourself or another person in Oregon, you must believe your situation is “imminent”. In other words, you believe a perpetrator poses a direct and immediate threat.
How a Lawyer Can Help You if You’ve Been Charged with a Knife Crime
Being charged for possession of a knife can be a frustrating and traumatic situation, especially when the knife may not be illegal. When you are charged for possession of a knife, it’s in your best interest to immediately contact an attorney. An experienced criminal defense attorney will have the skills and knowledge to defend your case. They will work to get your case dropped or commit to getting your sentence reduced if convicted. With any luck, hiring an attorney will ensure that your life is disrupted as little as possible.
Knife Laws in Oregon Conclusion
Oregon is a state with contrasting sides when it comes to knife laws. You can own any kind of knife and there aren’t any restrictions or set blade length. However, there are complicated and confusing laws when it comes to how you can carry concealed and in what locations. If you are facing a knife crime charge, you’ll need a trusted attorney by your side to help understand the law and defend your case.
Shannon Powell with Powell Law has the experience and knowledge to answer all your questions and give you confidence and peace of mind during a difficult time. He serves the entire Portland area including Hillsboro and Beaverton. Contact Shannon Powell today and get a free consultation from a high-quality criminal defense attorney.
We don’t serve the Medford or central Oregon area but if you need a criminal defense lawyer there, we recommend Kollie Law.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
