knife for chicago

O

outdoorsman196

Joined
Jun 11, 2012
Messages
66
I have some friends that live in chicago and are looking to get a knife.from what i have seen it needs to be 2" or under and nonlocking and not oho. it is for edc and disaster/emergency purposes. does anyone have any suggestions? and it has to be relativley cheap. thanks.
 
Actually, I think the law is 2 1/2 inches for an adult, and 2 inches for under 18 years old.

A small 84mmSAK like a small tinker or recruit should be okay.
 
If I lived in Chicago I'd be looking for Kevlar vests and not a 2" knife.

That said, I like my little Spyderco Kiwi. Less than $30, sub-2" blade, 8Cr13MoV steel that actually isn't too bad. Wharncliff blade, slip joint. Very ergonomic, fits perfectly in the coin pocket of your jeans. Gets the EDC jobs done.
 
Spyderco Chicago should fit the bill. The knife is designed to conform to the laws of the city.
440C steel is good stuff, and it's got a nice price.
 
Before we start spreading rumors, here is the Chicago City knife Municipal Code:

CHICAGO, ILL., MUNICIPAL CODE § 8-24-020 (2005). Concealed carry of dirks, daggers, stilettos, bowie knives, “commando knives”, any knife with blade greater than two and a half inches, ordinary razors, and “other dangerous weapon” prohibited. See, id. Unlawful for person under 18 years of age to carry or possess knife with blade two inches in length or longer. See, id. Carry on person or in vehicle passenger compartment of “utility knife” (e.g., box cutter) by person under 18 years of age prohibited. Certain exceptions apply. See, id. at § 8-24-021. (Excerpted from Knife Laws of the Fifty States: A Guide for the Law-Abiding Traveler, page 48).
Click to expand...


Don't know if it has been updated, but the limit is 2.5" if you are over 18. 2" & under if legal minor. Nothing about lockbacks or OHO.

Look up your city & State knife laws here: http://www.knifelawsonline.com/
 
Doesn't seem to be any verbage on locking, but 18+ is 2.5" is the length. http://www.knifelawsonline.com/knifehome/CityOrdinancesContent/tabid/55/Default.aspx

Depending on where they'd be going and if they were a knife person, I'd just saw buy what you like...though that is me. The izula is a smidge longer at 2.88" but is my go to EDC. Maybe modify it a bit?

I'd probably go with the Spyderco Cat off hand since it is a bit longer than the Chicago. The Leafstorm and Dragonfly series fits the bill too. The g10 Drangonfly has always caught my eye.

Your friend have any preferences?
 
What about a Case Peanut. It's about the least threatening knife ever, directly behind the Vic Classic.
 
F&*(^% Chicago burocrats. Just buy the knife that you like. I live in NYC but if officials saw my knives I would be hanged
 
I live just outside Chicago, I often work in the city and its not really a problem, hell I carry my lrg Sebenza all the time:D If you use your knife like a knife should be used and can use it responsibly no one will give you any bs about what you carry, just don't go walking around with a cold stell xl espada and u should be ok
 
I have a Spyderco Chicago, bought about a year ago specifically as part of preparations for a planned move to the Windy City that didn't happen (at least yet). Failed plans notwithstanding, choosing this Spyderco was a total success.

The blade is short and very strong, with grippy and nicely shapped G-10 scales, making it the preferred EDC blade for many situations where I want an innocuous-looking but tough blade. The wire clip allows the knife to ride deep in the pocket, making it very discreet but accessible in a tip-up position. And the price can't be beat; I got mine for about $40 at Cutlery Shoppe but other merchants have a similar price.

I totally recommend it.
 
I agree that the Spyderco Chicago would be a great choice as mentioned above. If you want a non locking the check out the spyderco squeak. Small and non locking as well and should fit it with your needs. The squeak is one of my favorite knives and I am sure you will love it too.
 
Wow, its pretty ridiculous how in Chicago you're only allowed to carry a wimpy 2 inch knife when all the gang bangers there carry tec 9's and ak-47's..LOL
 
The main blade on Wenger SAKs measures 2.5", there are lots of models to choose from (some of them have locks). Spyderco's Leafstorm and Dragonfly are two awesome small folders worth looking at.

If fixed blades are an option, I'd recommend a Bark River Mini or Mikro Canadian, ESEE Candiru or A.G. Russell's Woodswalker. The Woodswalker is an amazing value at around $20, the handle is very well designed and allows a better grip than most pocket fixed blades. I wish it was a bit thicker, but I haven't broken mine yet.
 
Carry whatever you want in Chicago as long as you don't act like an idiot. CPD doesn't care.

That said, start acting like an idiot, CPD will persuade to to stop acting like an idiot, usually with a baton.

Just be a "regular guy" (as we say in Chicago), and you'll be fine. I carry a Vic Super Tinker or Classic in my pocket, and a Leatherman somewhere else on me.
 
I've gotten pulled over for a traffic violation in downtown Chicago and the officer didnt even bat an eye when he found my Umnumzaan (over 3.5 inch blade). Just gave me my ticket and told me to carry on. If you dont look like a criminal and act like one I highly doubt you will get into trouble for any folder in the 3 inch range.
 
kawr said:
I've gotten pulled over for a traffic violation in downtown Chicago and the officer didnt even bat an eye when he found my Umnumzaan (over 3.5 inch blade). Just gave me my ticket and told me to carry on. If you dont look like a criminal and act like one I highly doubt you will get into trouble for any folder in the 3 inch range.
Click to expand...

Just for clarification, did you get out and have your person searched or something else? Seems pretty awesome if that was the case. Makes sense though. The risk of having to show up in court somewhere over something so petty is probably a big enough deterrent. I mean, it isn't that uncommon for a LEO to not show up for a court date when people are speeding and that actually does/can put peoples life at risk.

Best advice probably is just blending in and being a regular guy.
 
marcinek said:
Carry whatever you want in Chicago as long as you don't act like an idiot. CPD doesn't care.

That said, start acting like an idiot, CPD will persuade to to stop acting like an idiot, usually with a baton.

Just be a "regular guy" (as we say in Chicago), and you'll be fine. I carry a Vic Super Tinker or Classic in my pocket, and a Leatherman somewhere else on me.
Click to expand...

What he said. I've lived in the city of Chicago for my entire life and can attest to this. I edc (at least) a spyderco military and have never had a problem.
 
Off the top of my head these are all 2.5" or under.
Spyderco Cat
Spyderco Chicago
Spyderco Ambitious
Spyderco Kiwi
Spyderco Grasshopper
Spyderco Ladybug
Spyderco Manbug
Spyderco Squeak

I would personally go with an Ambitious or Cat or Chicago because they're simple liner locks.

But.. if you're looking for best steel.. get a Ladybug or a Manbug. If you can add a little more money I say grab a Jester. Plus.. there is no way any of these are threatening looking lol. Especially a Ladybug in a pretty color.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top