Fixed blade EDC in OR

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Feb 3, 2006
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So if I'm reading this right I can't carry an Izula 2 concealed correct?

Any dirk, dagger, ice pick, slingshot, metal knuckles or any similar instrument or a knife other than an ordinary pocket knife, the use of which could inflict injury upon a person or property;
I want to edc the Izula but not sure how to do it legally. Would pocket carry with the end of the handle sticking out fly? How about in a pack, would that be concealed or does it have to be on your person. Anyone have a clearer understanding of knife laws in Oregon that can help a brother out?
 
First things first, I'm glad to see another Oregonian!

After doing alot of research into this myself for the carrying of a larger fixed blade here in Oregon, what I came up with is this: the "pocket knife" basically only counts as a SAK or a Peanut. Anything else is considered a knife and doesn't fall under the "ordinary pocket knife" rule. As such, I carry my SAK in the little coin pouch on my jeans, or if I'm working, in my pocket, where it's legal.

As far as fixed blades are concerned (and I don't have the rest of the law sitting in front of me at the moment), I believe as long as part of the knife is clearly showing, aka obvious that you are carrying a knife, or it's in a clearly indicated sheath on your belt, you're ok. I know I have a smaller fixed blade similar to the size of the Izula 2 you're speaking of. Unfortunately, I find that it's almost a little too small to carry around in the winter because if I wear it on my belt, near the buckle and put on a hoodie or my jacket, it gets covered (concealed). As a result, I carry my 5.5" cutting surface blade on my right (strong side) hip in a horizontal position with the edge down. It took me some time to figure out where the custom sheath I had made for it would be the most comfortable for sitting and moving, but I did find it and what's nice is that I just lift my hoodie and tuck it behind the sheath and it doesn't have any chance of being concealed.

Just as a word of caution here in Oregon. If you carry your knife the way I do, which is painfully obvious, expect to get a few looks. Personally, I don't really mind and I'm generally a nice guy, so I'm not running around scowling at everyone for looking at my knife. My larger fixed that I'm speaking of is for SD, so I have a response ready for anyone who feels the need to come up and ask why I'm carrying a knife (no one has done this yet by the way). I just tell them it's my alternative to carrying a firearm.

Also, I believe that carrying it in a pack is considered concealed. The way I think of conceaed vs. non-concealed is basically that I don't want to leave ANY doubt in a police officer's mind that it's open carry. If you carry it in a place that you feel you'd have to argue "but it's not concealed!", you should probably put it somewhere else.
 
First things first, I'm glad to see another Oregonian!

After doing alot of research into this myself for the carrying of a larger fixed blade here in Oregon, what I came up with is this: the "pocket knife" basically only counts as a SAK or a Peanut. Anything else is considered a knife and doesn't fall under the "ordinary pocket knife" rule. As such, I carry my SAK in the little coin pouch on my jeans, or if I'm working, in my pocket, where it's legal.

As far as fixed blades are concerned (and I don't have the rest of the law sitting in front of me at the moment), I believe as long as part of the knife is clearly showing, aka obvious that you are carrying a knife, or it's in a clearly indicated sheath on your belt, you're ok. I know I have a smaller fixed blade similar to the size of the Izula 2 you're speaking of. Unfortunately, I find that it's almost a little too small to carry around in the winter because if I wear it on my belt, near the buckle and put on a hoodie or my jacket, it gets covered (concealed). As a result, I carry my 5.5" cutting surface blade on my right (strong side) hip in a horizontal position with the edge down. It took me some time to figure out where the custom sheath I had made for it would be the most comfortable for sitting and moving, but I did find it and what's nice is that I just lift my hoodie and tuck it behind the sheath and it doesn't have any chance of being concealed.

Just as a word of caution here in Oregon. If you carry your knife the way I do, which is painfully obvious, expect to get a few looks. Personally, I don't really mind and I'm generally a nice guy, so I'm not running around scowling at everyone for looking at my knife. My larger fixed that I'm speaking of is for SD, so I have a response ready for anyone who feels the need to come up and ask why I'm carrying a knife (no one has done this yet by the way). I just tell them it's my alternative to carrying a firearm.

Also, I believe that carrying it in a pack is considered concealed. The way I think of conceaed vs. non-concealed is basically that I don't want to leave ANY doubt in a police officer's mind that it's open carry. If you carry it in a place that you feel you'd have to argue "but it's not concealed!", you should probably put it somewhere else.
This is basically what I'm thinking as well. It's funny we can carry a 9 inch bladed short sword out in the open but not a 2 1/2 inch utility knife concealed. Gotta love crazy knife laws. Thanks for posting.
 
According to this thread, it looks like Oregon law only prohibits the concealing of switchblades, balisongs, and daggers, and anything else can be carried and concealed.
 
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