They probably figure you will end up at a shelter, where they will take your knife away.

I work with a group that works at shelters. I've been told that I would not be allowed to bring my leatherman into a shelter. My answer was "I guess that shelter doesn't get radio comms then, as I need tools to setup the radios"

I was basically told - keep it in your pocket, don't use it where shelter residents can see it, and we'll look the other way