Knives are tools. Not weapons.
If you DID get in a fight, use fists, or evade.
When in court, the fact that your knife stayed in your pocket, will have a positive impact on this hobby.
BUT ON THE OTHER HAND
Your wallet doesnt know what it's getting into.

PS:
Spyderco is great. Don't leave them.
But some other brands to check out:
Buck
Kershaw
Benchmade
Case
GEC/Tidoute/UN-X-LD
Victorinox
And (
be very careful and research the exact knife FIRST) Cold Steel
Some Cold Steel stuff is excellent, while other knives and gear by them, even within the same price range, are horrible.
Stay under $100.00 with Cold Steel and you'll be alright. The knives are pretty good, but warranty and company views are iffy.