Knives, Knuckles and Other Weapons
720 ILCS 5/24-1 — switchblades, metal knuckles and the other listed weapons are a Class A misdemeanor
It is unlawful to sell, make, buy, possess or carry a bludgeon, blackjack, metal knuckles or another knuckle weapon, a throwing star, a ballistic knife, or a switchblade knife that opens automatically by pressure on a button, spring or other device in the handle.
Who handles this in Illinois: Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Lawyer Finder; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Illinois directory.
- The switchblade rule does not apply to a person who has a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card.
- Crossbows, bows and underwater spearguns are not ballistic knives.
- Carrying or possessing a dangerous knife, razor or other dangerous weapon with intent to use it unlawfully against another is also prohibited.
A violation of those provisions is a Class A misdemeanor. Other provisions of the same section, covering firearms, carry higher classes.
Sources for this section (1)
- 720 ILCS 5/24-1 — Unlawful possession of weapons
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Illinois attorney.