It's easier to appear harmless. It's less trouble all around.

“A woman who goes around wearing a knife is obviously looking for trouble." She reached deep into her pocket and brought out a long, slender piece of metal, glittering all along one edge. "However a woman who carries a knife is ready for trouble. Generally speaking, it's easier to appear harmless. It's less trouble all around.”

― Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind