Many excellent points about why draw attention to yourself? Likewise about how laws change from municipality to municipality so you would have to check regs constantly. Let me add a couple other things:
- Intent vs. Statute: Some jurisdictions will outlaw the carry of machetes, dirks, daggers, hatchets, etc. by name in the Statutes. Look at NYS P.L. 265 as just an example. HOWEVER, if an officer can reasonably articulate Intent, then anything can be classified as a "dangerous weapon" or "deadly instrument". I've seen people charged with Crim. Poss. Weap. for flashlights, screwdrivers, etc simply because the person possessing it got into a fight. The item in question doesn't even have to be used or brandished to be charged.
- Many cops do not know the law like they should. Even if it is perfectly legal to openly possess item X, if it doesn't make sense to Joe Law, in his eyes it is likely a crime. Trying to argue the law with the cops may work with a Supervisor at booking or worst case, in court. It rarely if ever works on the street.
