🌆 Illinois Knife Laws
Overview
Illinois does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. Ballistic knives are prohibited; switchblades have restrictions.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Illinois does not specifically prohibit open carry of knives. The UUW statute (720 ILCS 5/24-1) focuses on possession of banned items (switchblades without FOID, ballistic knives) under (a)(1) and carrying with unlawful intent under (a)(2). The concealed carry prohibition in (a)(4) applies only to firearms. Knives with blades 3 inches or longer are restricted on publicly funded property under 720 ILCS 5/21-6.
Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1, 720 ILCS 5/33A-1
The concealed carry prohibition in 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(4) applies only to firearms ('pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm'). Knives are governed by (a)(2), which is an intent-based restriction: carrying a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife, or similar weapon 'with intent to use the same unlawfully against another' is illegal. Whether the knife is open or concealed is not the statutory issue — intent is. No statewide preemption; Chicago imposes a 2.5-inch concealed blade length limit.
Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1
No general statewide blade length limit for ordinary knives. The 3-inch threshold in 720 ILCS 5/33A-1 (Category II weapon definition) triggers restrictions on publicly funded property under 720 ILCS 5/21-6 and armed violence sentencing enhancements. Chicago imposes a 2.5-inch limit by local ordinance. No statewide preemption, so municipalities may enact stricter limits.
Statute: 720 ILCS 5/33A-1
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Restricted | 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(1) prohibits sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, or carrying of switchblades — defined as knives with blades that open automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle. Exception: persons with a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) are exempt under (e)(2), added by SB 607 (2017). Without a FOID, switchblades are a Class A misdemeanor. Chicago may prohibit them even for FOID holders. Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1, 430 ILCS 65/0.01 |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not mentioned in 720 ILCS 5/24-1 or any other Illinois statute. Case law (People v. Gazelle) established that the ban in (a)(1) applies only to switchblades and ballistic knives. A balisong is not a switchblade because it does not open automatically by hand pressure on a button or device in the handle — it requires manual manipulation of the handles. Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Illinois does not specifically prohibit disguised knives (lipstick knives, belt buckle knives, cane swords, key knives, etc.). They are not listed among prohibited items in 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(1). However, carrying a disguised knife with unlawful intent could constitute a violation under (a)(2) as a 'dangerous knife' or 'other dangerous or deadly weapon.' Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed in Illinois statutes. The prevailing legal interpretation is that assisted-opening knives are not switchblades because the user must manually initiate blade movement before the spring assist engages, and the actuator is on the blade rather than 'in the handle' as specified by the statute. Illinois has not adopted the federal 'bias toward closure' definition. Even if treated as switchblades, FOID card holders would be exempt under (e)(2). Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 |
| Ballistic Knives | Illegal | 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(1) prohibits sale, manufacture, purchase, possession, or carrying of a ballistic knife — defined as a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas. Unlike switchblades, there is no FOID card exception for ballistic knives. Crossbows, bows, and spearguns are exempted from this definition under (e)(1). Violation is a Class A misdemeanor; possession at schools, parks, or courthouses elevates to a Class 4 felony under (c)(2). Statute: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 |
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
