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Galoots-
I recall reading here recently about all of the different, confusing, and
contradictory laws about knives across the USA.
I've decided that part of the solution is to never carry a "knife".  No, that's
not a hook "knife", that's a spoon hollowing tool.
I just rename the tools in my hands to the most obscure innocuous sounding name
I can find.  There is frequently historical
precedence for the names  chosen.  If the tool in question is wrapped in a rag
with the project and maybe a leather strop the
combination and association of the items answers questions that never need to be
asked.  Plane "irons" (not "blades") are
much less threatening if there is a chip-breaker installed.  
Also small tools are friendlier than large tools.  Pink tools are friendlier
than black tools.  Rags torn from child's pajamas with
bunnies or kittens are better than black denim with skull and cross-bones.
I think about my public woodworking and try to make it as innocent looking as
possible.  Being friendly, answering questions,
and handing over the tool in question handle foremost on the bunny rag eases
most concerns.  But there are always some people
who are frightened by their own shadows.
chuck 


Gye Greene wrote:

As it turns out:  my manager said that someone had made "a comment" to
her.  So I guess I'll have to stop.

Ah well:  fun while it lasted.
—

So it goes for spoon carving on the sidelines of the kids’ weekend-long soccer
tournament. The grownups have rules about “weapons.”

A hook knife. Really!?

Yes, indeed.