You can get a CCW permit without owning a gun. I think that the background check is more in line with registration because you have to buy a gun for them to do one.
CCW can cover knives as well as other non-firearm weapons.
“You can get a CCW permit without owning a gun.”
Possibly, but it would be hard to pass the qualification part of the CCW class without one. :)
If you want to carry concealed, then keep it concealed until it has to be used in a life or death situation. While you may have to defend against an unlawful carry charge, that remote possibility beats having every cop that runs your plates know that you might have a piece on your person.