What is the largest folder that I can carry legally ?  I assume there is a maximum blade length, but is there a maximum overall length as well ?  I want to be in full compliance with IL law.  All advice is appreciated.   Thanks.

I've heard every theory on this imaginable--from the "width of your palm" theory to blade length.

I carry a small (3") folder everyday. Some people carry sheath folders. Survey crews carry machetes.

When I was younger, and had frequent "encounters" with the police (and usually had several knives), I would just tell the cop if I was carrying (assuming he had a need to know).

I've never seen a law about the legality of carrying a knife. UUW makes it illegal to carry a knife to use unlawfully against someone, and also outlaws switchblades, but says nothing about length.

Perhaps our ARFCOM legal eagles will come along to enlighten us shortly.

Snojet, don't quote me on this, but I think it's 4 inches. Not at all sure though.

Quoted: Snojet, don't quote me on this, but I think it's 4 inches. Not at all sure though.

+1

Snojet, local ordinances in IL are all over the map concerning knives. That is a real problem, too, as I don't know how you would ever research every town, village, or city you would travel to. Oh, and government subsidized housing has a restriction of I think 2 1/4", but don't quote me on that as I don't have access right now to the statute. By the way I like cold steel knives, as they are sharp as hell, strong, and they don't cost an arm and a leg. edited for spelling

Thanks Recon.  Did you ever get that manual translated ?   Get me a copy and I'll get it translated.

Thanks for reminding me, I had forgotten about it. How are the 3 gun matches going?

The 2 I tried to go to were cancelled.  And I've been doing other stuff this summer.  So,  maybe next year ! !   ha ha  I hope to see you at Buffalo in a few weeks ! !

There is no prohibition under Illinois law regarding blade length. Switchblades are a no-no unless you are military/leo. Check the Illinois Compiled Statutes for more info. The info about knives falls under the Unlawful Use of Weapons statute. As mentioned earlier the local ordinances vary from town to town.  

Quoted: There is no prohibition under Illinois law regarding blade length. Switchblades are a no-no unless you are military/leo. Check the Illinois Compiled Statutes for more info. The info about knives falls under the Unlawful Use of Weapons statute. As mentioned earlier the local ordinances vary from town to town.

+1

There is some suburb that banned the carrying of knives. I saw screw them! I carry my Kershaw Blackout every where I go. Only damn thing we can carry in this state.

Funny story, call it last X-mas, buddy of mine and I went to a movie in Evanston with a FBI friend on his. I wanted to give the FBI buddy a hard time cuz I heard he was anti-gunish so I asked him if he was packing. He tells me he's packing the same thing I am. Kershaw.

I'm like what, you can carry and all you got is a pocket knife!!! He's like yeah I work Chicago not evanston.