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AR15.COM
3/26/2014 3:05:28 PM EDT
What is the longest fixed blade you can carry legally in IL. I heard it is 3 inches but wanted to check real quick with anyone who possibly carries a knife every day.

ETA. I carry a folder when I am working outside and fishing that is 2 inches I believe. I just think a fixed blade would be nicer/easier to have. Can anyone give me any recommendations?
3/26/2014 4:09:04 PM EDT
[#1]


Illinois Criminal Code 720 ILCS 5/24-1. Unlawful Use of
  Weapons. (a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use
  of weapons when he knowingly... (2) Carries or possesses
  with intent to use the same unlawfully against another, a
  dagger, dirk, billy, dangerous knife, razor, stiletto,
  broken bottle or other piece of glass... or any other
  dangerous or deadly weapon of like character...
- 720 ILCS 5/33A-1... A person is considered armed with a
  dangerous weapon... when he carries on or about his person
  or is otherwise armed with a category I or category II
  weapon. (b) A category I weapon is a [firearm or] a knife
  with a blade at least 3 inches in length, dagger, dirk,
  switchblade knife, stiletto, or any other deadly or
  dangerous weapon of like character.
- 720 ILCS 5/24-1. Unlawful Use of Weapons. (a) A person
  commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he
  knowingly: (1) Sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses
  or carries any... knife commonly referred to as a
  switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens
  automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring
  or other device in the handle of the knife, or a ballistic
  knife, which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as
  a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material,
  or compressed gas...
- 720 ILCS 5/33A-1... A person is considered armed with a
  dangerous weapon... when he carries on or about his person
  or is otherwise armed with a category I or category II
  weapon. (b) A category I weapon is a [firearm or] a knife
  with a blade at least 3 inches in length, dagger, dirk,
  switchblade knife, stiletto, or any other deadly or
  dangerous weapon of like character.

 Illinois Case Law:
- "Possession of hunting knife is not a crime; however,
  knowingly carrying or possessing dangerous weapon with
  intent to use same unlawfully against another constitutes
  offense..." (1982)
- "Weapon not listed in statute can become "dangerous weapon"
  when it is used in a manner dangerous to well being of
  individual threatened, and knife with blade less than 3
  inches in length can be dangerous weapon if used in such
  manner." (1991)
- "A straight-blade razor did not constitute a per se
  dangerous weapon, for purposes of armed violence
  charge..." (1987)
- "Walking cane, even if not per se dangerous, was...
  transformed by defendant's usage into a dangerous weapon."
  (1977)



However keep in mind that various cities and towns and counties can set their own ordinances. For example I believe off the top of my head Chicago is max 2.5" length blade.  



I carry a folder and personally prefer that to a fixed blade. It clips to my pocket and I can deploy it just as fast as any fixed blade.  




 
3/26/2014 4:47:01 PM EDT
[#2]
I'm in Kendall county and doubt that have a restriction like 2.5 but I will check. Thanks for posting.
3/26/2014 4:47:49 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
What is the longest fixed blade you can carry legally in IL. I heard it is 3 inches but wanted to check real quick with anyone who possibly carries a knife every day.

ETA. I carry a folder when I am working outside and fishing that is 2 inches I believe. I just think a fixed blade would be nicer/easier to have. Can anyone give me any recommendations?
View Quote


http://www.knivesshipfree.com/psk-154cm/?sort=alphaasc