The right of the people to possess and bear arms is recognized by the Illinois State Constitution.
With the exception of police power, the people’s right to possess and bear arms will not be encroached on.
ILCS Const. Art. 1, § 22
Chapter 720 of the Illinois Statutes Annotated normally outlines the statutes concerning the possession and use of weapons, the caption Deadly Weapons in Part D of Article 24 is especially useful.
Forbidden Items:
The Illinois law states that ballistic knives and switchable knives are forbidden items.
(a) It is classified as a weapon offense to knowingly:
(1) Manufacture, possess, purchase, sell, carry, anything considered as a blackjack, slung-shot, bludgeon, sand club, metal knuckles or other such knuckles, a throwing star, a knife like a switchable knife which uses a button, spring or such like to automatically open, or a ballistic knife, that being an item which uses an elastic material, gas or a spring to propel a knife-like blade.
(2) Possess or carry, with the intent of using unlawfully, a billy, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, broken bottle, taser, stun gun, dangerous knife or another instrument, item or weapon which could be classified as deadly or dangerous.
720 ILCS 5/24-1
The “bias toward closure” language is not included in the Illinois definition of the term switchable. A knife with assisted opening may come under the switchable knife prohibition.
Notes On Concealment:
The crucial element is criminal intent, hence concealment is not classified as an issue.
(a) It is classified as a weapon offense to knowingly:
(2) Possess or carry, with the intent of using unlawfully, a billy, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, broken bottle, taser, stun gun, dangerous knife or another instrument, item or weapon which could be classified as deadly or dangerous.
720 ILCS 5/24-1
Statewide Preemption:
None. There is a rigid statute which very much restricts knife use in the City of Chicago.
Notes On Schools:
Schools in Illinois fall under weapon free zones, The possession of a knife when on school property is considered a crime.
Notes On Licensed Carry:
This is not applicable. Firearms are the only items that fall under the Illinois concealed firearm permit. 430 ILCS § 66/10
This information that is presented as a brief description of the laws and not as any kind of legal advice. aStraightArrow will not and cannot be a legal service provider. The use of the site does not create any sort of client/lawyer relationship. The knife laws are interpreted differently by prosecuting attorneys, enforcement officers, and judges. aStraightArrow suggests you consult legal counsel for further guidance.