A shadow boxing knifeman told police he was carrying a blade at a country park in case he needed to cut cheese.
Winston Dodds was caught with a wooden handled steak knife and was in an agitated state in Hetton-le-Hole when police approached him.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Dodds had the weapon at Hetton Lyons Country Park last July.
Helen Towers, prosecuting said: "He admitted being in possession of the knife, stating it was his own, from home, that he carried in case he needed to use it to cut food, for example cheese, had he bought any from a shop."
Miss Towers said 48-year-old Dodds had been "shadow boxing" before the officers approached, was "waving his arms and shouting" and was holding a bottle of WKD alcohol.
The knife was found in the front pocket of his jeans during the early evening search.
Dodds, of High Downs Square, Hetton-le-Hole, who has a criminal record, admitted possession of a bladed article.
Recorder Keir Monteith QC sentenced him to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a six month curfew between 7pm and 7am.
The judge told him: "You gave an explanation that the knife would be for cutting food, for example cheese, had you bought that from the shop."
Barry Robson, defending, said during the pandemic Dodds had ran out of medication that keeps him "rational" and struggled to get appointments .
Mr Robson said Dodds is now "taking better care of himself" and has reduced his alcohol intake.
