Illinois fixed blade laws

[Mr. Sogetsu]

Is there a maximum overall length? Is there a limit for concealed blade lengths? Any stipulations concerning fixed blades? I am thinking about using a fixed blade as an edc.

 

[Gunfucius]

I'm from Illinois and if you read the law, you can carry pretty much anything you want, as long as they can't prove that you intended to use it for violent means. Don't tell a LEO that you carry it for self defense, tell him/her that it is a tool, because to some LEO's carrying a knife for self-defense implies intent. There are a few specific types of knives that are unlawful to carry, though.

This might help you out:
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/il.txt

 

[Mr. Sogetsu]

Thanks a lot

 

[hi-revr]

I'm from Illinois and if you read the law, you can carry pretty much anything you want, as long as they can't prove that you intended to use it for violent means. Don't tell a LEO that you carry it for self defense, tell him/her that it is a tool, because to some LEO's carrying a knife for self-defense implies intent. There are a few specific types of knives that are unlawful to carry, though.

This might help you out:
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/il.txt

Your wording is not quite correct. If you carry anything "legal" for self defense, it does not imply intent to do anything unless your life is threatened in your opinion. In that case it isn't illegal.

 

[Mr. Sogetsu]

The LEO will probably figure I'm looking for trouble if I say it is for self defense. I wasn't planning on using it for self defense anyways.

 

[Watchful]

Your wording is not quite correct. If you carry anything "legal" for self defense, it does not imply intent to do anything unless your life is threatened in your opinion. In that case it isn't illegal.

In practical cases, Illinois does not consider "self-defense" a fully legitimate reason to carry a blade or other tool. You can carry sprays and other non-impact items for self-defense; but within the context of this conversation, Gunfucius' advice is sensible.