Ala,
I went to a festival, located in Springs, Pa just a stones throw from MD. last weekend. I noticed a young lady there who was wearing sunglasses, a BIG fixed blade Bowie, and a german shepherd at the end of a leash. It wasn't a seeing-eye dog, if you were wondering.
It really made my day to see her. Not "her" in particular. My own woman was the best looker around! This young lady just presented herself in a mannerly way, not looking like she was trying to attrack attention. She got my attention for another reason. The open display of the knife and dog, (under control by the way), was a figure of pioneering independence. Not the ugly feministic, in your face "I am woman, I am invincable, hear me nag (I mean roar)" type of independence. Rather that kind of mindset that this country was founded on. If I were her Daddy, I'd feel much more at ease knowing that the bad guys would probably leave her alone. My woman's knife is hidden and she uses bladed tools quite often. It is the open display that does not bother me in the least.
Unfortunately, it would bother some. If it were not a festival which was made up of farm folks, and a lot of conservative church goers, I don't know if she would have fit in.
As for you, I'd check the laws. Next, is it socially acceptable in your area. Open carry is legal in my state, but a man would get arrested if he carried open guns around here regardless of the law. On the other hand, it is quite common to see men walking around with folders in sheaths on their belts. About the only time you see a fixed blade is during deer season. If you can't carry open, hide it. Why go through life needing a knife every day and never having that tool because some bad guy says he won't allow you too because another bad guy said "Yeah" when it came time for him act like a scowndral and deney you your rights in your capitol building? If concerned carry the appropriate sized folder. It will probably be safer to draw from under the shirt. Or a boot knife might fit the lock.
That's my .02 for what its worth......
Hey! Wait a minute! I'm sorry, I just skimmed your statements and when off on a soapbox tangent.... If its acceptable, just wear it. Your remeanor and respect shown toward others will have far more of a reflection upon the knife community than whether or not they see it, IMHO.
If they could not see it, it would have NO reflection on the knife community, because nobody would know you carry. Even bikers and nose piercers have the right to carry, but they portray the view to most as being part of a counter culture. If you dress casually, but look clean, I do not see how it would reflect negetively to anyone with a brain. But then again, there are some "scare crows" in our society. (ie. Wizard of Oz
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." --Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36) See John 3:15- 18
