I wish the article said which state because I’m not sure this is classic “American” but knowing the state would maybe shed some light.

I’m from Minnesota and you can open carry a knife here but it would be weird to see someone carrying a steak knife. A fixed blade knife you’d maybe see in a more rural area, especially during hunting season. A pocket knife would be probably pretty common. I myself carry a multitool everyday because there’s been all sorts of times I’ve found use for the pliers, screwdrivers, snips etc.

The dumbest part to me though is the claim about self defense. A knife is an awful choice for self defense if you have time to plan ahead, he’d have been better off bringing a rolling pin or a cricket bat or something like that if he’s that worried.