He's also suspected of having class A drugs on him.
Police who stopped a teenager at Newton Abbot railway station because they were concerned about his welfare are now conducting enquiries into the machete they found on him.
He was arrested along with a friend on Monday night. They have both been released whilst investigations continue.
British Transport Police say: "Officers arrested an 18-year-old man at Newton Abbot station at 10.35pm on Monday on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, after he surrendered a machete during a stop and search. A 17-year-old from Bristol was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A substance. Both men were further arrested on suspicion of being concerned on the supply of class A drugs.