Is a Rick Hinderer Firetac legal in IL?

[OilMan]

Hey all,
I just got a Firetac, very very sweet knife, and the last quarter inch of the swedge has an edge. Does that make it illegal in IL. What could I do to make it legal? Just dull the edge?

Thanks,

OilMan

 

[Planterz]

Legal blade length in IL is 3 inches or less, so you might be SOL, sharpened swedge or not. Otherwise, I'd assume that removing (dulling) the swedge would declassify it as a "dagger", although IL law doesn't define what a "dagger" (or "dirk") is.

 

[OilMan]

Legal length in IL seems to be whatever you want until you do something with it that would classify it as a weapon but that isn't what I'm after. Does that little sharpened swedge make it illegal in and of itself?

Thanks,

Oily

 

[Planterz]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that "intent" ambiguity IL has in its laws.

To be honest, I don't know if the swedge makes it illegal or not. "Dagger" in other states is sometimes classified as a double-edged knife, but other states' definitions don't have any relevence. IL's laws don't define "dagger" or specifically mention double-edged knives. So I'm just guessing. If you're worried about it, I'd just dull the swedge. Except for self-defense purposes, I can't really see that a sharpened swedge really has much use on a carry folder. In fact, I'd be worried that I'd accidentally cut myself on it.

 

[OilMan]

In fact, I'd be worried that I'd accidentally cut myself on it.

Kinda what I was thinking too. But I suppose if I don't do anything stupid with it I won't cut myself or get in trouble for the 'slightly' illegal knife. Kinda like the guys who carry autos where they are illegal.

thanks,

Oily