Halim Noor, 28, admitted carrying the blade at a court appearance last month.
The dangerous weapon (pictured), with a lock, was confiscated by the court.
Jailing Noor for a year, Sheriff Desmond Leslie told him: “You of all people should be aware of carrying a knife of this kind.”
The court had previously heard that Noor has a significant criminal record for offences in the Glasgow area.
He had moved to Ayr because his partner was having his child.
Defence lawyer Tony Currie told the court: “The knife was in a bag along with other household items.
“It’s not a reasonable excuse. That’s why he’s pled guilty.
“He grew up in Glasgow and, basically because of the colour of his skin, he found himself in bother and getting away from situations.”
Noor, of Woodlands Crescent, Ayr, was found with the weapon on August 23, 2018.
Mr Currie pointed out that there had been a gap in Noor’s offending and he had stayed out of trouble for five years.
