It's strange for me to hear about people being so tight about such things in other parts of the country (or world)

Here in the NW, legally speaking you can walk around the streets with a broadsword as long as it's not concealed, and you should be fine as long as you conduct yourself in a normal sane manner.

If you're kilted, wearing a sgian dubh has (for me) been a total non issue with everyone I encounter.

I have however seen people as a gag carry other items in their sock such as nice hand-forged forks, deer antlers with no blade, interesting chunks of twisted hardwood etc etc.