Are Automatic Knives Legal in Oregon?
The Short Answer
It's complicated. You can own any automatic knife in Oregon — there are no banned knife types. But you cannot carry one concealed. Oregon law prohibits the concealed carry of any knife with a blade that deploys by spring action or centrifugal force. Open carry is legal. And that distinction matters more than you might think.
What Oregon Law Actually Says
The Statute (ORS § 166.240)
The key statute is Oregon Revised Statutes § 166.240 — "Carrying of concealed weapons." Here's the relevant language:
"(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, 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, slungshot, 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."
What That Means in Plain English
Owning an automatic knife is perfectly legal. Carrying one openly — say, in a belt sheath where it's visible — is also legal. But the moment you put that automatic knife in your pocket or conceal it under clothing, you're looking at a Class B misdemeanor: up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The law specifically targets any blade that "projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force." That broad language covers:
- Side-opening automatic knives
- OTF (out-the-front) knives
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Assisted-opening knives (yes, really — see below)
The History: Oregon's Switchblade Ban and Repeal
Oregon banned switchblades in 1957 under § 166.510, which prohibited anyone who "manufactures, causes to be manufactured, sells, keeps for sale, offers, gives, loans, carries, or possesses an instrument or weapon having a blade which projects or swings into position by force of a spring or other device and commonly known as a switch-blade knife."
In 1984, the Oregon Supreme Court struck down this ban as unconstitutional in State v. Delgado, 692 P.2d 610 (1984), finding it violated the Oregon State Constitution's right to bear arms.
The legislature responded in 1985 by repealing the outright ban on possession and commerce — but added the concealed carry prohibition to § 166.240. So Oregon legalized owning and selling switchblades while restricting how you carry them.
OTF Knives in Oregon
OTF knives are legal to own, buy, sell, and collect in Oregon. You can carry one openly. You cannot carry one concealed on your person. An OTF knife in your pocket is concealed. An OTF in a visible belt sheath may not be — but Oregon case law on what counts as "concealed" is thin.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Oregon Considers Them
Oregon law doesn't use the word "switchblade" anymore — the 1999 amendment to § 166.240 removed the phrase "commonly known as a switchblade knife." The statute now simply covers any knife with a blade that deploys by spring or centrifugal force. This means the law treats all automatic mechanisms the same, regardless of what you call them.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in Oregon
Open Carry
Legal. Oregon case law supports that a knife carried openly in a sheath at the waist is not "concealed." In Oregon v. Johnson, 772 P.2d 426 (1989), the court noted:
"Like a gun in a holster, a knife carried openly in a sheath on the belt is not 'concealed.'"
Concealed Carry
Prohibited for automatic knives. There is no permit or license that makes concealed carry of an automatic knife legal in Oregon. A concealed handgun license (CHL) does not cover knives.
Important note on pocket clips: There is no Oregon case law establishing that a knife clipped to a pocket with part visible is "not concealed." We cannot recommend relying on a pocket clip to satisfy the open carry standard.
The Assisted Opener Problem
This is where Oregon gets unusually restrictive. In State v. Markwell, 383 P.3d 285 (2016), the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that assisted-opening knives fall under the same "blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring" language. The officer testified that the knife "flung open" with very little effort on the thumb stud.
This means Oregon treats assisted openers the same as fully automatic knives for concealed carry purposes. If it has a spring assist, don't carry it concealed.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
Oregon law (ORS § 166.370) prohibits possessing any dangerous weapon in public buildings and court facilities. For knife purposes, the only exception is:
"an ordinary pocketknife with a blade less than four inches in length"
Public buildings include:
- Schools (K-12 and universities)
- Hospitals
- The state capitol
- City halls
- State official residences
- Any building occupied by a state agency or municipal corporation
Court facilities include courthouses and any building used by circuit courts, the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, or Tax Court.
Possessing a weapon (other than the small pocketknife exception) in these locations is a Class C felony — up to five years in prison and a $125,000 fine.
Blade Length Restrictions
Oregon has no general blade length limit. The four-inch limit only applies to the "ordinary pocketknife" exception for public buildings and court facilities.
Preemption
No formal knife preemption statute. However, Oregon courts have invalidated local ordinances that conflict with state law. In City of Portland v. Lodi, 782 P.2d 415 (1989), the Oregon Supreme Court struck down a Portland ordinance as inconsistent with state legislative policy. So while there's no explicit preemption, local ordinances that conflict with state knife law are vulnerable to challenge.
Age Restrictions
Oregon does not have a specific statewide age restriction on knife purchases.
What About Assisted Openers?
As noted above, Oregon treats assisted-opening knives the same as automatic knives for concealed carry purposes. You can own them, carry them openly, but do not carry them concealed.
Buying Automatic Knives in Oregon
Legal. There are no restrictions on the purchase, sale, or possession of automatic knives in Oregon. You can buy them in person or online and have them shipped to an Oregon address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Oregon?
You can carry one openly — in a visible sheath or holder. You cannot carry an OTF knife concealed on your person.
Are switchblades illegal in Oregon?
No. Oregon's switchblade ban was struck down as unconstitutional in 1984 and legislatively repealed in 1985. Switchblades are legal to own, buy, and sell. Concealed carry is the restriction.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Oregon?
No general blade length limit. The four-inch limit only applies to the "ordinary pocketknife" exception in restricted public buildings.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.
Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.
When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.