In Oregon, knife laws in 2025 are among the most lenient in the United States, allowing nearly all types of knives to be legally owned and openly carried by individuals who are not convicted felons. Ownership of most knives—including dirks, daggers, bowie knives, switchblades, ballistic knives, gravity knives, butterfly (balisong) knives, and assisted opening knives—is permitted. However, possession or carrying by convicted felons is more restricted under state law.
Open carry of knives is generally legal without blade length restrictions explicitly stated by statute, although most legal experts recommend keeping blade length to about 4.75 inches or shorter to avoid legal ambiguity. Concealed carry, however, is more stringently regulated. Oregon prohibits concealed carry of certain knives that are considered dangerous weapons—specifically, concealed dirks, daggers, automatic knives (such as switchblades), ice picks, and assisted opening knives are illegal to carry concealed. Concealing a prohibited weapon can result in a Class B misdemeanor, with penalties up to six months in jail, fines up to $2,500, or both.
Certain public spaces—including courthouses, schools, and other government buildings—ban all knives regardless of type or method of carry. Carrying any knife in these locations may lead to a Class C felony charge, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $125,000. Oregon law takes public safety seriously, and the presence of knives in these sensitive areas is prohibited to prevent potential injury.
While Oregon’s statutes do not define a precise maximum blade length for knives, the interpretation often depends on law enforcement and judicial precedent. Blades longer than approximately 4.75 inches up to 6 inches enter a legal gray area, so carrying shorter blades is recommended to avoid legal challenges. Additionally, local city or county ordinances may impose further restrictions or prohibitions on knife carrying, particularly regarding concealed carry, so individuals should verify local rules before carrying knives.
Felons are prohibited by Oregon law from possessing many types of knives and other weapons without specific restoration of rights. Minors are generally allowed to possess knives, but some restrictions apply for certain dangerous knife types or locations.
In summary, your knife rights in Oregon in 2025 include broad ownership and open carry privileges for most knives, but concealed carry is limited for certain types classified as dangerous weapons. Carrying knives into restricted public places is illegal and heavily penalized. Blade length is not explicitly capped by law but shorter blades are preferred to stay within clear legal boundaries. Local laws may impose additional rules, so checking those is crucial for compliance.
These points summarize the key aspects of Oregon’s knife laws to help you understand what is legal and what restrictions exist when owning and carrying knives in the state.
If you want to know more or see the specific statutes referenced, Oregon Revised Statutes 166.240 and 166.370 contain the relevant legal provisions for weapon possession and carrying restrictions.
Sources
[1] https://www.shannonpowelllaw.com/blog/knife-laws-in-oregon
[2] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/oregon-knife-laws/
[3] https://www.oregongunlaw.com/post/oregon-knife-laws
[4] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/oregon-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/oregon/
