Higher end EDC legal for Chicago?

Lord_Balkan

Lord_Balkan

Joined
Aug 25, 2016
Messages
600
Hey, I am looking for a higher end EDC I can use in Chicago. Chicago has a 2.5" limit. I tried the Benchmade Megumi, and while I really like the blade look and materials, the action is really stiff. I am looking for something around the $100 to $300 range, possibly more if it is really good. Any suggestions?
 
Chicago PD has bigger things to worry about than peoples' pocket knives. Don't act like a jerk/thug and CPD will not bother you.
 
Had this little guy in for sharpening a while back and was really impressed with it. The CF is just gorgeous in person. It's a DPX heat.

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I've also heard good things about the Spyderco Dice, but I haven't encountered one personally.
 
There's a limited edition Dragonfly II with ZDP-189 and carbon fiber scales. It's just over $200 at Bento Box.
 
What about the ZT 0900 small heavy duty and kind of a cool design and 2.7 inches, or a Brous Blades Silent Soldier great flipper and 2"
 
Spartan Nymph! Such a cool little knife!
The Spyderco Dice is a nice knife but the ZT 0900 is too big.
Al Mar Osprey or Hawk?
DPX HEAT is a little tank of a knife.
Spyderco Dragonfly or Squeak.
Good luck!
 
clearkevin said:
What about the ZT 0900 small heavy duty and kind of a cool design and 2.7 inches, or a Brous Blades Silent Soldier great flipper and 2"
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Yeah I'd like to stay at 2.5 or under. I have some nice knives over 2.5 like a small sebenza, zt 0450 and BM 531. I just couldn't find much at 2.5 or under.
 
If you do not need a clip, look at the Moki Serapis. Just under 2.5" blade, handle options include black micarta, pearl, or checkerboard white/black pearl inlays. Moki has outstanding fit and finish.

For something different, if you can find one, look at the Spyderco Leaf Storm.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
I'd like to think that but I really don't want to take any chances.
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If you seriously don't want to take any chances, your best bet would be a traditional along the lines of a Case Mini Trapper or such. I don't know your intentions for carrying a blade but if you, like me, carry a knife strictly as a tool, a traditional or SAK are very non threatening in appearance.
As for high end, I carry a Trestle Pines Grand Portage with CPM 154 blade. When it comes to trads, if you're willing to look, you can spend as much or as little as you want.
 
bt93 said:
If you seriously don't want to take any chances, your best bet would be a traditional along the lines of a Case Mini Trapper or such. I don't know your intentions for carrying a blade but if you, like me, carry a knife strictly as a tool, a traditional or SAK are very non threatening in appearance.
As for high end, I carry a Trestle Pines Grand Portage with CPM 154 blade. When it comes to trads, if you're willing to look, you can spend as much or as little as you want.
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Yeah its only for a tool. I don't use them often but I like to be prepared.

EDIT: I am open to suggestions like traditional or even multitools.
 
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I'd say go check out Case knives as they have the greatest variety, though some don't like the so called 'surgical steel' I have found it holds an edge well and can get spooky sharp. If a lock blade in wanted see the Copperlock and Mini Copperlock. I mentioned what my knife is, there are also GEC knive which are favored around here.
Also Victorinox has a great variety. You mention you don't use a knife often so maybe a supersteel isn't necessary. I've found my SAK's always took a great edge. Sharpening a Vic or a Case is easy, and before I got my present knife I'd give them a touch up once a week on a steel. Less than 10 seconds kept the edge of those knives razor sharp.
 
Lord_Balkan said:
Hey, I am looking for a higher end EDC I can use in Chicago. Chicago has a 2.5" limit. I tried the Benchmade Megumi, and while I really like the blade look and materials, the action is really stiff. I am looking for something around the $100 to $300 range, possibly more if it is really good. Any suggestions?
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Illinois doesn't have restrictions on knife size, why is Chicago different? where do i find the knife laws for the cities in Illinois? why would Illinois not have restriction on size but Chicago a city of Illinois have a law of 2.5" max blade length? asking because this is news to me.
 
If you are interested in traditional knives there are tons of options with a sub 2.5" blade. If that interests you post this same question in the traditional forum and you will get more options than you know what to do with:)
 
Mo2 said:
Illinois doesn't have restrictions on knife size, why is Chicago different? where do i find the knife laws for the cities in Illinois? why would Illinois not have restriction on size but Chicago a city of Illinois have a law of 2.5" max blade length? asking because this is news to me.
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Lots of cities have municipal ordinances that are stricter than state law about all kinds of matters, including gun and knife control. Best knife control resource is here:

http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=282

From that page:

"8. Chicago, IL: It is illegal to carry concealed a knife with a blade longer than 2.5-inches. Concealed carry of a double-edged knife is prohibited. Automatic (switchblade) and gravity knives are prohibited entirely. "No person shall sell, offer for sale, loan or give to any person 18 years of age or under any type or kind of knife, any blade of which is two inches in length or longer," with no exceptions. However, no person 18 years or under may carry or possess or conceal on or about his person, any knife with a blade two inches or longer in length. It is a mystery how a minor is supposed to get hold of the knife, albeit of limited length, that they are legally allowed to own or carry."
 
Mo2 said:
Illinois doesn't have restrictions on knife size, why is Chicago different? where do i find the knife laws for the cities in Illinois? why would Illinois not have restriction on size but Chicago a city of Illinois have a law of 2.5" max blade length? asking because this is news to me.
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http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=282

Chicago, IL (2.5-inch blade concealed carry limit, 2-inch blade limit for 18 and under, but minor cannot legally obtain any knife)
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I believe cities can have stricter laws that the state. Chicago is one of those cities.
 
marcinek said:
Chicago PD has bigger things to worry about than peoples' pocket knives. Don't act like a jerk/thug and CPD will not bother you.
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i think it is odd to suggest doing something illegal because you do not think they will "worry" about it. the second statement is also illogical, if you get pulled over for a taillight that is out, and they find it, you can be charged.
 
john april said:
i think it is odd to suggest doing something illegal because you do not think they will "worry" about it. the second statement is also illogical, if you get pulled over for a taillight that is out, and they find it, you can be charged.
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If you are not the kind of person who gets their body or car searched, it's not a problem. I've never had either happen in Chicago. And I carry a knife.
 
Kataphraktos said:
Lots of cities have municipal ordinances that are stricter than state law about all kinds of matters, including gun and knife control. Best knife control resource is here:

http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=282

From that page:

"8. Chicago, IL: It is illegal to carry concealed a knife with a blade longer than 2.5-inches. Concealed carry of a double-edged knife is prohibited. Automatic (switchblade) and gravity knives are prohibited entirely. "No person shall sell, offer for sale, loan or give to any person 18 years of age or under any type or kind of knife, any blade of which is two inches in length or longer," with no exceptions. However, no person 18 years or under may carry or possess or conceal on or about his person, any knife with a blade two inches or longer in length. It is a mystery how a minor is supposed to get hold of the knife, albeit of limited length, that they are legally allowed to own or carry."
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The word in Bold is the key term.
You can't carry a concealed knife. HOW much of a knife has to be exposed to not be concealed is the question you should be asking.

Is the butt and clip of a knife enough to keep it from being considered "concealed"?
If your shirt falls over it, is it now "concealed"?

Know the whole law, not just the size requirements.
 
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