Reviewed September 2026

Illinois Knife Laws

In Illinois, switchblades are restricted and butterfly knives are legal. Carrying with intent to harm is a crime; blades over 3 inches are restricted in publicly funded places. The blade limit to know: 3 inches in public buildings and similar locations.

Switchblades: Restricted

Automatic knives are legal only for holders of a valid FOID card (since 2017).

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are generally legal.

Concealed Carry

Carrying with intent to harm is a crime; blades over 3 inches are restricted in publicly funded places.

Local Ordinances

Illinois has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Chicago enforces stricter local rules (2.5 inch carry limit); no preemption.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: 720 ILCS 5/24-1; 720 ILCS 5/21-6

Basic unlawful use of weapons involving a knife is a Class A misdemeanor with up to 364 days and $2,500, jumping to a Class 4 felony in schools, courthouses, public housing, or within 1,000 feet of school property. People v. Sullivan (1970) required the state to rule out lawful uses before inferring unlawful intent from mere carry. There is no preemption, and Chicago's ordinance restricts carried blades to 2.5 inches.

Illinois Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Illinois?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are restricted in Illinois. Automatic knives are legal only for holders of a valid FOID card (since 2017). Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Illinois?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Illinois. Butterfly knives are generally legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Illinois?

Generally yes, within limits: Carrying with intent to harm is a crime; blades over 3 inches are restricted in publicly funded places. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Illinois?

The limit to know is 3 inches in public buildings and similar locations. Chicago enforces stricter local rules (2.5 inch carry limit); no preemption.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Illinois

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Illinois. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, or read our guide to the best knives in Illinois, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.