Won't someone think of the children?

Bereaved parents want 5 year jail terms for carrying blades longer than 3 inches. Great, raise the penalty to the same level as guns, and there's little reason not to carry a gun instead, is there? Besides which I'm sure there are plenty of people who need blades that length for their work or crafts. Even my multitool has a 2.5" blade. Currently the law allows that there are legitimate reasons for carrying what could be an "offensive weapon", but this seems to be ignored by the victim lobby.