I can't speak for your coworkers for sure but it sounds as though they would have the same opinion as mine. If I were seen at work without some sort of sharp knife within easy reach they would think I had come down with a horrible illness. I even have a small "gentleman's knife" that I carry in the bottom of my sporran when I attend events where a sgian dubh either would be considered inappropriate or where the location has an issue with fixed blade knives. As far as the shoes I agree that I would have preferred less dressy shoes, but given that the boss has requested them it would be a mistake to not listen to the man that suggested the kilt to start with.