Oregon OTF Laws

[Bailey G]

I'm going to make this short, and sweet. Can you legally carry and OTF In the state of Oregon, open or concealed? Where I live in bend Oregon we really don't have any open carry laws regarding knives. so it seems like open carry is ago but I would like to double check and get second, maybe even a third opinion. Thanks guys!

 

[glistam]

No need for the Off-Topic tag; this is exactly what this sub-forum is for!

Alright so let me open with some minor picking of nits: Do you mean OTF automatic knives or all OTFs? I'm sure you probably meant autos but I feel it's my duty as a blade geek to point out that OTF encompasses several types of mechanism, many of which are not automatic/switchblades.

Anyhow, the answers is illegal to concealed, maybe legal to open carry. The text of the statute below very clearly describes the mechanism of most OTF and side-opening switchblades as well as gravity knives and butterfly knives. Regarding the "maybe" on open carry, there are two concerns. One is that a folded OTF automatic knife is relatively hard to carry without it being in some kind of holster or other enclosure. There is zero case law that is instructive on what extent such a knife would have to be visible. I suppose if it has a clip you could clip it to clothing such that the knife's bulk is on the outside. But other than that you would be rolling the dice with any cop that takes an interest in you.* The second is county or city law. There may be ordinances that prohibit open carry of autos as well, but you'd have to look up that specific area.

166.240 Carrying of concealed weapons.
(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.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section applies to any peace officer as defined in ORS 133.005, whose duty it is to serve process or make arrests. Justice courts have concurrent jurisdiction to try any person charged with violating any of the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.

Source of the law is the official website of the Oregon State Legislature: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors166.html

*The probability of a cop stopping you in the first place if you are not violating the law or acting in a overtly suspicious manner is less than 1%, just as food for thought. I support that statement with reading case law from all 50 states for the past decade.