Self-Defense: Folding Utility Knife

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You would think as guy I would be aware of most or all types of tools but lo-n-behold I'm in the hardware store and find a "folding utility knife" with belt clip.

Of course, my first thought is would it be a better choice to carry for self-defense? Then my brain starts to sort out how it will be viewed on a self-defense, defense.

• why are you carrying it in the first place?
• If you claim it is for construction reasons, does that match up with reality?
• Since utility knives were used for the 9-11 attacks, would that effect perceptions of others viewing the situation toward some kind of judgment?
• If an office worker carried one, used it in true self-defense and was facing legal inquiries would they perceive the knife as a weapon or tool? 

Just a couple of questions to get us started on the analysis and I follow with some thoughts. It occurs to me that perceptions are huge and since the below graphic shows it as a tool that can be easily worn and used is useful, efficient and productive. It also tells me that in lieu of knives often seen as tactical fighting devices it could be perceived as just a tool. 

When I think of utility knives I think of how useful they are for all kinds of projects around the home as well as at work even for an office worker, i.e., in my IT Tech support days I had one available to open computer and printer boxes for new workstations and print stations, etc. so I could conceivably find the folding utility knife useful to carry on my belt as a folder since a folder takes less of a body footprint unlike the full typical knives carried. 

The folding utility knife I give below as the example folds making the razor sharp edge safe, it has a knob for quick one hand opening when needed and it has the belt clip, not shown, that makes it easy to carry around which for an IT tech guy is convenient, efficient and productive in every day work. 

This made me think that during the normal work week carrying it around can be adequately explained but after hours out on the town, evenings and weekends, maybe not so much. 

I just wondered what this list, my blog readers, think and feel about this over the more tactical folding knives sold?

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