Auto knives legal for EMTs and police in Illinois?

[Jagged]

It seems like I've heard that auto knives are legal for EMTs and police (but not anyone else) in Illinois? Does anyone know if that is correct?

 

[Planterz]

Illinois' laws specify no provision for "law enforcement" or "emergency services" when refering to knives. Some states that ban switchblades for civilian carry do allow LE or EMS personal, but it states this in the laws regarding knife carry. There may indeed be such a law for IL, but it's not stated in the weapon carry laws. I think you'd have to contact the Attorney General's office to know for sure.

Even so, I doubt you'd get any flack for carrying an auto on duty. Especially if it was a "rescue" orientated knife like the Benchmade 9110FS Auto Stryker.

 

[ACMarina]

Ohio's law is sorta kind written like that, but it leaves EMTs out of the picture. I'd think from knowing them all that Fire & EMS have WAY more of a use for an auto knife than any of the LEO's that I know. The big advantage to an auto Stryker over a manual Stryker is that the auto can be opened and closed with gloves. Sure, LEO's wear gloves when it's cold out, but EMT's and FFs wear them every day. For me, if I were wearing fire gloves, it'd either be an auto with a huge button or a fixed blade. EMTs wearing rubber gloves could probably work a Spyderco style blade, or one with a huge thumbstud, but it would be murder on gloves. An auto button would be a lot easier to use. Although most retail locations say that auto knives are for LEO purchase only, most every FF&EMT I know has one somehow.