I am considering purchasing the RSK Mk1™ knife. However, I don't want to violate any laws. So I'm doing research and it appears I can't carry this type of knife. May someone please inform me if I am correct? Here is what the codes are:

City of Chicago Municipal Code

8-24-020 Carrying dangerous weapons
No person shall carry or possess any knife, the blade of which is released by a spring mechanism, including knives known as "switch-blades", any blackjack, slingshot, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles or bludgeon.

No person shall carry concealed on or about his person a... any blade of which is released by a spring mechanism, including known knives as "switch-blades" or any other type or kind of knife, any blade of which is more than two and one-half inches in length, ordinary razor or other dangerous weapon except that no person 18 years of age or under shall carry concealed on or about his person, any knife, the blade of which is two inches in length or longer.

Illinois Criminal Code

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.

720 ILCS 5/24-1. Unlawful Use of Weapons. (a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly: (1) Sells, manufactures, purchases, possesses or carries any... knife commonly referred to as a switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or a ballistic knife, which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas... -

I know we have sold lots of knives to customers in Chicago. In most places in the U.S. a knife clipped to a pocket is not considered "concealed" because it is visible. However, this is not the place to get legal advice. Suggest your try: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=735

Sounds like the Chicago law could get you on the 2-1/2" blade length limit, but there may be an out based on what qualifies as "concealed".

The Illinois law specifies 3" period. I think the knife you are looking at is 3-1/2". No mention of concealed or not concealed in the Illinois law. And that other clause "...or is otherwise armed with..." sounds scary too. That may catch you with it in a car, in your backpack, etc.

I'm not a lawyer and can't give any legal advice. What I predict could happen, is that you'd stand a good chance of losing the knife to a police officer (at minimum). You may be able to get it back later. They probably wouldn't give it back to you while you were in prison though, should they decide to interpret the law in that manner! <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I heard last night on NPR that foie gras is already outlawed as being too bad for the citizens of Chicago, and now they are looking at the use of frying in the resturants becuase that isn't good for you either.

Yeah, I dont' think there is much advice between either move or stick your head between your knees and pray.

It's a shame that the world has come to this. MacGuyver would have died in Chicago due to police confiscation of his trusty Swiss Army Knife.

Seriously, I do understand your plight. Being a teacher somethimes makes me leary of carrying a knife in the classroom. I've decided to carry a Leatherman Squirt S2 in my pocket because of the short blade length and it still has some tools. My ChargeTi is then locked inside my car where I can get to it quickly.

Hello, fellow Chicagoan! You are correct re: the 2.5" limit for the city. I carry a 2.5" folder ( CRKT Mt. Shasta ) clipped to my pocket. I'd venture to guess that many (most?) officers wouldn't know the 2.5" rule or be concerned about the size of your knife if you're not flashing it about or doing anything illegal with it, whether it's been "concealed" or not. Those of us who carry Leathermans may all be breaking the law, as I believe all but my Micras and Squirt have 3"+ blades. You can't predict the behavior of a given Chicago cop or a local judge, but you should be fine in 99% of situations if you're over by a half inch or an inch. Might avoid carrying an "illegal" knife into a government building but otherwise it shouldn't be an issue. I think I've found a good compromise--my folder is perfectly legal and my Leatherman's a "tool". When I travel, I carry a bit larger sometimes, but the 2.5" blade's fine for most things anyway. BOBs have fixed-blades but EDC doesn't need to be enormous, in my opinion.

I'm not a lawyer either, but my understanding is that is legal to open carry a large knife in Illinois.

Once you knife exceeds 3", you are "considered armed with a dangerous weapon", but this in itself is not a crime.

If you do commit a crime with a knife over 3" the penalties increase.

Having said that, I think if you tried to open carry a machette, would probable be charged with disorderly conduct.

Also, many of the small cities have ther own laws, so you need to be careful.

Frequently, the situation has a bearing on the legallity of an object. For example, a crowbar in your garage is a tool. The same crowbar in an alley at 3:00 AM is an illegal burglar tool.