Hello all. I'm a long-time knife enthusiast (addict?) new member here. I've been searching for laws regarding knife carry in Illinois and specifally Chicago which is somewhat more restrictive. In searching the forum I've come across some older threads that have false or outdated statements. To clarify Illinois and Chicago laws regarding (non-firearm) weapons are mostly similar. The following are exerpts from the Chicago Municipal Code (Section 8-24-020): Red font are my comments.
First the knives and weapons that are banned (Cannot own them or carry them): "No person shall sell ... possess,[etc.] any bludgeon, blackjack, slung shot, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, throwing star, switchblade knife or ballistic knife"
[COLOR="#B22222"]Now: "switchblade" is defined "any knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife and commonly referred to as a switchblade knife.
The courts have determined that Balisongs and assisted open knives are NOT "switchblades". In fact both types of knives are sold throughout the state. You can not own an automatic knife of any size in Illinois. You CAN own a balisong or assisted open. (I routinely carry a full-sized Benchmade Barrage). "Wave" open knives are also fine.[/COLOR]
Second: "No person shall carry or possess with intent to use unlawfully against another, or carry in a threatening or menacing manner, without authority of law, a dagger, billy, dangerous knife, razor, broken bottle or other piece or glass, stun gun, taser, or other dangerous or deadly weapon of like character.
In otherwords, you can't carry any knife (or weapon) if you intend to attack or threaten someone.
Finally, the length myth (variously posted as less than 3 inches, less that 2 ½ inches etc.) The precise law is:
"No person shall carry concealed on or about his person a dagger, any knife with a blade more than two and one-half inches in length, or other dangerous weapon.
Note: The key word here is "concealed". It's illegal to carry a knife (folding or otherwise) in a concealed manner. So don't carry a pocket knife in your pocket if it has a blade longer that 2 ½ inches (more on this below). If it's in a sheath on your belt you're fine unless you have criminal intent. (Be advised: "intent" can be inferred by action.
The question I have not been able to answer is what constitutes "concealed". I carry my barrage or an Emerson CQC with pocket clip. Of course the clip makes the handle of the knife visible. IMO this would not be considered "concealed", but I have not been able to verify. Hopefully others on these boards could answer this.
Also, use your common sense. You can't bring weapons of any kind into government buildings. A good general rule: If you have to go through a metal detector, you probably can't bring your knife. If you are in Chicago and have to go to the Daley Center (the main courthouse), you can store your knife in lockers. They cost $3.00 which is much much less than any knife worth carrying. I hope this is helpful.
Disclaimer: The information and opiinions posted above are meant only for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advise. Check local laws before carrying any type of weapon.
First the knives and weapons that are banned (Cannot own them or carry them): "No person shall sell ... possess,[etc.] any bludgeon, blackjack, slung shot, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, throwing star, switchblade knife or ballistic knife"
[COLOR="#B22222"]Now: "switchblade" is defined "any knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife and commonly referred to as a switchblade knife.
The courts have determined that Balisongs and assisted open knives are NOT "switchblades". In fact both types of knives are sold throughout the state. You can not own an automatic knife of any size in Illinois. You CAN own a balisong or assisted open. (I routinely carry a full-sized Benchmade Barrage). "Wave" open knives are also fine.[/COLOR]
Second: "No person shall carry or possess with intent to use unlawfully against another, or carry in a threatening or menacing manner, without authority of law, a dagger, billy, dangerous knife, razor, broken bottle or other piece or glass, stun gun, taser, or other dangerous or deadly weapon of like character.
In otherwords, you can't carry any knife (or weapon) if you intend to attack or threaten someone.
Finally, the length myth (variously posted as less than 3 inches, less that 2 ½ inches etc.) The precise law is:
"No person shall carry concealed on or about his person a dagger, any knife with a blade more than two and one-half inches in length, or other dangerous weapon.
Note: The key word here is "concealed". It's illegal to carry a knife (folding or otherwise) in a concealed manner. So don't carry a pocket knife in your pocket if it has a blade longer that 2 ½ inches (more on this below). If it's in a sheath on your belt you're fine unless you have criminal intent. (Be advised: "intent" can be inferred by action.
The question I have not been able to answer is what constitutes "concealed". I carry my barrage or an Emerson CQC with pocket clip. Of course the clip makes the handle of the knife visible. IMO this would not be considered "concealed", but I have not been able to verify. Hopefully others on these boards could answer this.
Also, use your common sense. You can't bring weapons of any kind into government buildings. A good general rule: If you have to go through a metal detector, you probably can't bring your knife. If you are in Chicago and have to go to the Daley Center (the main courthouse), you can store your knife in lockers. They cost $3.00 which is much much less than any knife worth carrying. I hope this is helpful.
Disclaimer: The information and opiinions posted above are meant only for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advise. Check local laws before carrying any type of weapon.
