When i used to go camping with my Dad, we kept our knives in our packs until we got out in the sticks. Whenever we came upon civilisation, we'd stop on the outskirts of town and put them away again. There really is no need to carry a large bowie at your side in the UK! Not until we get a zombie problem at least!
Watching the zombie marches that happen over here when Hallowe'en is upon us, it's no wonder books like the "Zombie Survival Guide" have been written