Its very interesting to note the various replies. I know from my own personal experience I have received the odd comment by wearing the more subdued/military clothing while out and about in the woods. I have also experienced extreme hostility from trespassers whilst out shooting, who just didnt like people shooting, and would not/could not accept that they did not have a legal right to be on the land.
I think especially where knives and axes etc are concerned, if youre encountered in the woods by Joe Public it is likely as not to cause some alarm, unless you are obviously a forestry worker. Unfortunately, all too often the media has portrayed anyone who would have use of the type of knife (let alone an axe) as used by a Bushcrafter as a potential threat to society. I hope very much though that attitudes are starting to change with the exposure people are getting to Mr Mears and the like.
I think especially where knives and axes etc are concerned, if youre encountered in the woods by Joe Public it is likely as not to cause some alarm, unless you are obviously a forestry worker. Unfortunately, all too often the media has portrayed anyone who would have use of the type of knife (let alone an axe) as used by a Bushcrafter as a potential threat to society. I hope very much though that attitudes are starting to change with the exposure people are getting to Mr Mears and the like.