My current EDC knife is a Bench Made Mini-Griptillian. 3" blade with a thumb stud (no spring assist) which is legal in NJ for assisted opening.
I have been carrying a knife of some sort nearly every day of my life since the age of about 9, just like my father did.
I carry larger fixed blades for hunting and fishing purposes but I make sure I always have a valid reason for carrying the larger stuff. I have never been questioned on my various EDC's and I have had to temporarily sign it over a few times when entering County Courthouses or municipal buildings for work purposes.
I am really surprised at how many people today don't carry a knife. The people I work with and my family always say, "Ask Scott, he's always got a knife on him." when they have to open a box or cut something.
I have carried a folding pocket knife since I was a kid. 2,3, or 4 inch, small enough to fit in pants/skirt pocket. About 30 years ago I was with a friend in a Somers Pt restaurant/fern bar, and my friend who lived aboard a 42 foot sailboat was showing me her new rigging knife. I showed her my small pocket knife.
The manager came to our table and asked us to leave: said we were upsetting the other customers.
LOL! Other than confiscation of one knife and one Leatherman minitool at airport security years ago, haven't had a problem. When I travel, I have a foot long fixed blade Buck knife under the passenger floormat. Also a short lug wrench. Haven't needed them, no problems. Probably helps to be a girl.