Is the Balance Chicago legal?

RedRunner · #1

Does anyone know if the Balance meets the Chicago law regarding blade length? Going by just the blade length, I would think it does, but I'm wondering if the Chicago law requires you to include the choil. Anyone have any idea?

It looks like a really nice design. Anyone have some thoughts on it?

DemskeetSkeet · #2

RedRunner wrote:Does anyone know if the Balance meets the Chicago law regarding blade length? Going by just the blade length, I would think it does, but I'm wondering if the Chicago law requires you to include the choil. Anyone have any idea?

It looks like a really nice design. Anyone have some thoughts on it?

I'm not familiar with Chicago Knife laws but if you include the start of the choil to the end tip of the blade(straight edge, as I can't measure the curves, etc.) is 2" long exactly.

The knife is so small and "cute" that I would think you'd be fine.

Picture uploading soon.

Edit: Here's the picture:

thefly01 · #3

I can't say 100% but I think the Spyderco Chicago has a 2'' blade. Hope it works out for you. I'll definetly have an SS Balance when there released. Take care

.357 mag · #4

Chicago has a 2 inch blade limit. Balance is fine.

DemskeetSkeet · #5

.357 mag wrote:Chicago has a 2 inch blade limit. Balance is fine.

That's good to know, who knows when I might be going to Chicago again!

In my picture above, the choil included makes it an overall 2" so there is no problem even if it is included in the law :)

The stainless steel Balance needs to get here now, I can't bring myself to use the Carbon Fiber version as it cost me 1 bill.

Blerv · #6

Lava, Meerkat, Ladybug, etc.

tonydahose · #7

you should be fine with it or you can opt to carry a box cutter like all the goofs so they can't get pinched with it.

RedRunner · #8

Thanks guys! I love the look of it and I heard it fits well in the hand and sits nicely in the pocket.

smikesmith3 · #9

Just got one in and it is a lot smaller than I thought. It fits surprisingly well for how small it is. And it is legal to carry in Chicago even if they decide to measure from the end of the handle to the tip.

Teddy Thompson · #10

Most places measure blade length as a straight line between the most forward point on the handle and the tip of the blade (as in DemskeetSkeet's photo), not just the sharpened edge. That's one of the reasons Spyderco lists two measurements, blade length and cutting edge length. By either measurement the Balance should be legal in Chicago.