Machetes are carried openly everywhere, so I don't see where a knife would be a problem. Machetes are tools used in a wide range of applications and they are also the weapon of choice in Belize.
I would have to agree with you but recently (this year) the Police have been arresting and magistrates have been prosecuting machete carrying people. It seems to balance on intent to go armed or just carrying a tool on your way to work.
We've(people in the North)had a lot of the bicycle to work traffic on the beach carrying machetes and whacking dogs as they run out to bark at them passing.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
