Are you wondering about the legalities of carrying a knife in Illinois? Then this is the article for you.
If you live in Illinois and plan to purchase a self-defense knife, there are several factors to keep in mind first. This post will discuss the basics of Illinois knife laws. What’s legal and what’s not? Are there any penalties for carrying knives in Illinois? Can you sell or manufacture knives in Illinois? Let’s find out.
US Knife Law in Illinois
According to the Public Act 100-0082 of Illinois, citizens of Illinois can carry knives and switchblades on their person only for self-defense purposes.
However, that doesn’t mean that just anyone can purchase a knife or a switchblade in the state and call it legal.
First, you need to be at least 21 years old to purchase a knife in Illinois. You’ll also need to obtain a valid and updated Illinois Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card. FOID cards take about 30 days to process and cost no more than a couple of dollars. The ID is then valid for ten years before it needs to be reissued.
Section 21-4 states that you can only manufacture and sell any sharp object (including knives) after receiving explicit permission from Illinois’s chief security officer. However, the distribution of throwing stars and automatic knives are strictly prohibited even after state permission, as per section 8-24-020.
Compared to most other state knife laws, the Illinois Knife Law is relatively open and straightforward. Regardless, it’s always best to consult your attorney about the updated law as it still isn’t thoroughly covered.
Legal Knives in Illinois
Other than the regular switchblade, several other knives are legal to use in Illinois. This includes the following:
Machetes
Machetes are a type of heavy long-bladed knife primarily used for chopping, clearing, cleaning trails, underbrush, and vegetation. They’re also used for agricultural purposes, i.e., cutting sugarcanes, opening coconuts, chopping compost, and cutting meat.
Machetes can be dangerous if wielded incorrectly. In order to legally own a machete in Illinois, you’ll need to have an ID proof of your profession registered first.
Pocket Knives
Like switchblades, pocket knives, also known as folding knives, jackknives, or penknives, are legal to carry in Illinois.
As the name implies, pocket knives are small, foldable knives that can be carried inside a pocket. They’re often equipped with a thumb hole or a thumb stud that allows you to place your flexed thumb’s tip to extend the blade.
Balisong knives fall under the pocket knife category, and as such, are also legal to carry for self-defense purposes.
Disguised Knives
Disguised knives are legal to carry in Illinois. This includes types of hidden knives such as lipstick knives, key knives, canned swords, and dagger necklaces. You can also use dirks, daggers, and stilettos in Illinois for self-defense.
Bowie Knives
Bowie knives, primarily used for hunting, skinning, and butchering game, can be used for self-defense purposes. Therefore, it’s legal to use Bowie knives in Illinois.
Illegal Knives in Illinois
The Illinois Knife Law states that knives above three inches are strictly prohibited as they fall under the Unauthorized Possession or Storage of Weapons act (720 ILCS 5/21-6).
Class A misdemeanor may be filed if caught in possession of knives above three inches. This includes swords, black-jack knives, and ballistic knives. Only those with special chief security permission may handle knives above three inches.
Here are several other illegal knives in the state as stated in Section 24-1 of Illinois Knife Law:
Throwing Stars
Throwing stars, also known as ninja stars or Shirukens, are small, pointed, star-like knives often portrayed in modern movies and tales as a ninja weapon. It’s illegal to import, sell, give, or possess throwing stars in Illinois, and the holder can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony if found guilty.
Brass Knuckles
Also known as fist-load weapons, brass knuckles are metal shaped rings designed to fit around four of your knuckles. These are illegal to use in Illinois.
Places You Aren’t Legally Allowed to Carry Knives
According to code 720 ILCS 5/24-1 and Section 24-1 of the Illinois Knife Law, it’s illegal to carry knives in the following locations:
- Courthouses
- School buses
- In and out of school premises
- Public transportations
- Public housings
- Government buildings (banks, post offices, judiciary boards, etc.)
Violating such regulations is punishable by law. You can only carry knives in these mentioned locations if you received permission from one of Illinois’s peace officers.
Penalties for Breaking Illinois Knife Laws
As stated earlier, you can’t legally buy or carry a knife if you’re under 21 years old. If caught with a knife under 21, you may be given a penalty of at least $500. Minors under 18 can’t be fined under the Illinois statute 105 ILCS 5/10 22.6. Instead, the penalty will be given to his or her parents.
Sec. 24-1 of the Unlawful Use of Weapons act states that carrying or possessing a weapon with harmful intent, whether illegal or not, is punishable by the Illinois state law. Penalties differ from a couple of thousand dollars to several years of imprisonment.
Selling, manufacturing, purchasing, or possessing any of the listed knives above may be fined and imprisoned for up to five years.
When caught manufacturing, purchasing, or possessing knives over three inches, users will have a fine up to $15,000.
Carrying a legal knife in the listed locations above is considered Class A Misdemeanor. Class A Misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of 364 days in prison and/or a fine of $75 to up to $2,500.
Final Thoughts
Illinois Knife Laws are made for the protection and safety of the people of Illinois, and therefore needs to be taken seriously. When it’s about the safety of yourself and the people around you, it’s better to abide by the law, especially that knives are allowed in limits of self-defense.