A woman carried three knives into Asda in Bedminster.
Rebecca Cutsforth, of Tewther Road in Hartcliffe, says she was having a "mental health crisis" when she took the weapons into the East Street supermarket on April 3.
The 23-year-old appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Thursday (June 3), admitting an assault on a police officer and possession of three blades.
Her lawyer Mark O'Donnell said she had intended to use the knives to self-harm. He acknowledged she faces the prospect of time in jail because of her "lengthy" past record of weapon possession offences.
Prosecutor Caitlin Brown said: "The defendant had been reported missing by her mother. She left the home address, and her mother was worried she would head to Morrisons to buy a knife.
"Police were passed the number of the defendant by her mother. They called her and she said she would wait for them to arrive at Asda.
"Officers found her to be in possession of a Stanley blade under her sleeve. A further blade was found taped to her ankle and another in her rucksack."
Police also found a cable saw, foldable hand scissors and a bottle of prescribed medication on Cutsforth. They took her to Ashmead Road police station in Keynsham.
"While in custody the defendant had removed her left hand from her handcuff and a single bar from the handcuff had become undone," the prosecutor added.
When officers opened her hand, they found she had a small black handcuff key.
"She was not being compliant and she kicked PC Elmer in the leg," Brown said.
"There is some mitigation in the circumstances but the offence is aggravated by previous offending."
Although the court heard Cutsforth has a "lengthy" record of weapon possession offences, most of these took place when she was a youth.
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Mr O'Donnell said: "It goes without saying she had serious mental health issues when this matter arose. Just prior to being arrested she had been discharged after being sectioned under the S136 of the Mental Health Act."
He pointed out Cutsforth had informed police of the weapons on her person.
"She did not feel well enough to withstand the interview process," he added. "She cannot remember kicking out at the officers."
In her police interview, Cutsforth said: "If I did kick out I cannot recall it because of my mental health difficulties, but I apologise."
The legal clerk pointed out to the magistrates that repeat knife possession offenders must be handed a minimum of six months in prison, but the court has the option to suspend the sentence.
Cutsforth was bailed until her sentencing on July 1. A presentence report will be made ahead of the next hearing.
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