Pennsylvania knife law?

My personal conclusions from various sources over the years: You can not carry an 'offensive weapon' (an exception here shortly). A bowie knife would be an example. A concealed carry permit pertains to a firearm (pistol) ONLY. It does not include a 'large' knife, baton, rifle, etc. The 'rule of thumb' is: If the blade is longer than the width of your palm - it is questionable. I have decided to carry a tool with a 3" long blade for opening boxes, cutting string/rope, emergency vehicle belt cutter, etc... (My legal firearm is a Ruger SP101 .357 or an HK Tactical .45 w an extra clip.)
 
My personal conclusions: First and foremost - make sure that it cannot be classified as an offensive weapon. A knife unfortunetly cannot be legally carried as a weapon (a pistol only with a permit - I am envious of FL - batons & knives are ok). If you state it is for defense (perhaps even against an attacking dog), you are screwed. A pocket knife/work tool (if you are in the trade or hobby) can be carried in a pocket, clipped to the pocket or on a belt. An example often given of context/environment is: Carrying a hunting knife during season in a rural area will probably be ok. /// If you encounter the 'big city' thinking (typcially) that people should all be 'sheeple', the MORE you risk being hassled, etc. by having a clip visible on a pocket, a knife bigger than 3" (some go 1/2" or 1" smaller/larger as a guideline depending upon which state). I choose 3" as a max to carry and keep it IN my pocket. If I have to go to a heightened watch - that is different. I am rarely someplace that I might get jumped.
 
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