one big issue - open carry - as in sword strapped to your back and is plainly visible versus fixed length boot knife over 3.5" that is concealed.

County laws / city laws are a real patch work and hard to figure out what is "allowed".

and for a knife stored in the car - I would go with the option of it doing dual duty as a safety knife that is designed to cut thru seat belts.

Bear spray - kind of like that as a primary option. Lets you keep your distance between the critter and your body.

I know some state laws do allow additional protection clauses when hunting / fishing.