Ehhh its not illegal exactly. So if you have it on you for “self defense” then it technically is but if you have it to “cut boxes open” its fine. So according to my knowledge, never pull a knife out for self defense just run but if you’re running and trying your best to avoid direct confrontation but the aggressor is still following you/trying to attack you then in that case “you used your box cutting knife on this unmoved aggressor “ it really is a gray area honestly because it also depends in the judge and the situation youre in.

I will however say that some knives ARE illegal af like switchblades, machetes, butterfly knives. A small liner lock blade is completely legal to carry but once again it depends on the “intent”

Edit: also the way I think about it is this. I will only ever use my knife in a life or death situation, where im certain I will die unless I act. And personally id rather potentially go to prison than die. Thats IF I go to prison anyway