What are the knife laws in Oregon regarding self defense?
I am an 18 year old female and often have to take the bus or train home late after work. I carry a small can of pepper spray and a miniature Swiss Army knife in my purse or pocket for easy access (or use the hand strap on the pepper spray to keep it in sight), as I have been harassed several times late at night. So far I have never had to use either, but a friend of mine told me recently that carrying this little knife in my purse is illegal in the state of Oregon. I’ve done some research and all I have found is that I cannot conceal a knife that swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, but does this include my little Swiss Army knife? There is no spring, and I don’t know and don’t think that it counts as centrifugal force if I have to use the little notch to pull the blade into place.
Any information on the subject would be appreciated. If I have to leave the knife at home I will try and find something else more appropriate or just stick with the spray.
Tagged with: blade • centrifugal force • easy access • Knife Laws • late at night • little notch • pepper spray • purse • self defense • several times • state of oregon • swings • Swiss Army Knife • Swiss knife • train home
Filed under: Swiss Army Knife
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1) It musnt be bigger than from the wrist to the middle finger, as a rule of thumb. That then is called a utility knife. You can carry it with you in your pocket. Usually utility knives are exactly on the size limit so it should more or less fall in the palm of your hand.
2) By swishblade, we mean anything mechanical that puts the blade in an armed position without the use of your fingers.
A blade for your protection is highly ineficient above that of scaring a two-bit hoodlum. You voice and your ability to make a row to put yourself as a bad target for a heist or attack are your greatest weapons. Blades are overated. You have to get yourself in close quarters to do use them, people overate their competence with them, its really a toy. Effective in hurting, but it doesn’t give anyone winning circumstances.
Pepper spray could be your best bet. Don’t be a fool though, use it in the circumstances requiring it to get you out of an obviously dangerous situation.
Hope that helps.
Also, small, round edged swiss knives are extremely weak, they most likely will break before breaking skin I assure you. I know travelling at night can be scary, but woman attackers are cowards. They attack from backwards and they try to make an easy deal. Just keep aware of your surroundings. If you feel in danger, shout a big : "HI HOW YA DOIN’" at them and that’s a good enough detterant in most cases.
Your Swiss Army knife is USELESS for self defense. If you NEED it, you don’t have time to open it. That said, the knife you describe, an MOST Swiss Army knives do NOT use centrifugal force.