I keep seeing slightly different answers for some of these questions.

In summary of what I know already, please tell me if I am wrong.

You can own any knife of any length, with the following general exceptions: 

1. It is stereotypically related to gang violence (like the auto/easy opening variety).
2. It is designed to be concealed. (I do not really care about the specifics, as I personally am not interested in any knives like either of these)

You can carry around anything that is legal to own, but there is a length restriction for concealed knives? Do you need a lawful reason to carry it, in either situation?

**Question 1:** Self defense is not a lawful reason to carry a knife. Does this mean that if I end up defending myself (from an animal or a human) that it is unlawful to use a knife? Do they just not want you carrying one around just for this reason since pepper-spray would be better? 

**Question 2:** I am rather leery of this "lawful reason clause". Is just general survival/cutting of things a good enough excuse?  

It just does not really make sense to me. A knife is designed to cut things, and I carry one around to cut things with. 

**Question 3:** So it is lawful to carry around, in full view, any length of blade? What is the restriction for concealed knives (I have heard numbers from 4" to 6")? 

**Question 4:** What is classified as "carrying", exactly? Does that mean that I cannot transport a big knife in a backpack or bag? What is required for transporting big knives so that police will not call it concealing? 

Specific situation: I really want to get a big-medium sized Kukri as a general survival knife that works well as a replacement hatchet. It is 100% a tool, but it looks like an intimidating sword. So this Kukri is not something that can really ever be carried around in plain view in public; it would attract too much attention. It is specifically related to the "how do I transport a large knife in public" Question 4.

But I also like a smallish utility knife. I am thinking of getting a small Bowie within that range (4"-6"). So the exact length requirement is important.