REal world example. Sample size of one.  
It may depend where you are.  I'm in NZ.  
In August 2022 I disarmed a knife wielding attacker who was attacking pedestrians. Possession of a knife of the size involved in public is an offence. 

The police said that when they watched the video (local Town Hall entrance ) they were impressed.  
The regional police commander made favourable comment to the local news media.

I conclude that the police consider my possession of the knife legitimate :-)