Can you carry a pocket knife in Illinois?

Answer 1

The laws in Illinois regarding carrying knives are a little confusing and vague, but generally you're permitted to carry a knife with a blade up to 3" without any hassle. Having a knife in your possession while committing a crime, whether or not the knife is being used in the crime, will be grounds for a charge of carrying a dangerous weapon to be added on to the charges related to the crime itself.

Within the city of Chicago, and perhaps other cities, the blade length limit is 2.5" rather than 3".

Switchblades of any kind, defined as being able to be opened without touching the blade by means of a button or release on the handle, are illegal in most states, including Illinois.

(720 ILCS 5/24-1,2 States that there is NO limit to a 3" blade length, but rather knives that are either switchblade or ballistic (propelled blade) in possession commits the offense of unlawful use of a weapon. A knife blade that is thrust open by thumb on the blade itself and not on the handle is not in this category and is therefore able to be longer than 3") 720 ILCS 5/Article 33A states that "Armed with a dangerous weapon" means that you are carrying a knife with a blade longer than 3". This in itself is not a crime, but you commit armed violence only when committing a felony with this weapon.

Answer 2

Governor Rauner signed a law that allows people to carry a switchblade if you have a Illinois Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card. To do this you need to be 21 years old. Possession of knives on public lands regardless of intent is prohibited.

Answer 3

No

- 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.

Answer 4

As far as I know, there is not a specific age.

However, it should be noted that it is always a violation of Illinois law to carry certain types of knives (most notably switchblades and "ballistic knives"), or to carry ANY "dangerous or deadly weapon" "with intent to use [it] unlawfully against another."

Answer 5

As of 5-13-2012 you cannot get a permit to carry a handgun in the state of illinios. A concealed weapon is prohibited entirely. A firearm owner's identification(foid) is required to transport a handgun.

Answer 6

A person can carry a fixed blade knife in Illinois if it is under 3 inches. A blade that is 3 inches or more is considered a category I weapon and is illegal.

Answer 7

In the state of Illinois, you can legally buy a pocket knife at age 18. You also must be at least age 18 in order to carry one.