Knives
ORS 166.240 — carrying a switchblade, dirk or dagger concealed is a Class B misdemeanor
Oregon does not make carrying an ordinary knife a crime. What the concealed weapons section reaches is carrying concealed upon the person a knife whose blade projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, a dirk, dagger or ice pick, a slungshot, metal knuckles, or any similar instrument that could be used to injure a person or property.
Concealed is the offense. Carrying one of those concealed is a Class B misdemeanor. The section does not apply to a peace officer whose duty is to serve process or make arrests.
After a felony conviction. A person convicted of a felony who owns, possesses or controls a knife whose blade projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, a blackjack, slungshot, sandbag or metal knuckles, or who carries a dirk, dagger or stiletto, commits felon in possession of a restricted weapon, a Class A misdemeanor, whether or not it is concealed.
Public buildings, court facilities and schools have weapon rules of their own, which are not on this page. Whether a particular knife is a similar instrument, or was concealed, is a question of fact for a court and a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- ORS 166.240 — Carrying of concealed weapons
- ORS 166.270 — Possession of weapons by certain felons
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.