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Oregon Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws (2026)

Conditional: Owning and openly carrying an automatic/switchblade knife is legal in Oregon, but ORS 166.240 makes carrying one concealed a misdemeanor.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: oregonlegislature.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws in states bordering Oregon

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

CaliforniaRestricted
Switchblades with a blade 2 inches or longer are illegal to carry on the person, keep in a vehicle in public, or sell (Cal. Penal Code 21510).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Full California rule →
IdahoPermitted
Idaho has no law banning ownership, sale, or carry of automatic/switchblade knives; it regulates only dirks, dirk knives, bowie knives and daggers as concealed deadly weapons (Idaho Code 18-3302).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legislature.idaho.gov · Full Idaho rule →
NevadaPermitted
SB176 (2015) removed switchblades from Nevada's prohibited-weapons list and repealed the switchblade-permit rule, so automatic/OTF/gravity knives are legal to own and carry (NRS 202.350).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
WashingtonRestricted
Washington still bans spring-blade knives (switchblades, gravity and OTF knives): making, selling or possessing one is a gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.41.250).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: app.leg.wa.gov · Full Washington rule →

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