I am of two minds. Firstly and most important to me, is personal choice. If one chooses to carry/wear a weapon, specifically a historic blade in this discussion, it is their personal choice.

Secondly, it should be carried off well in execution. In other words, make the rest of your attire match the size and configuration of the blade you're carrying. Don't show up to a formal dinner wearing a greatsword belted acros your back. A blinged out dirk is a nice accessory. At the games when everyone is in a much more relaxed and "Let's see what people are wearing" mode, getting all geeked out with the cutlery is appropriate.

Of course the most historically accurate method would be to carry a small blade you know how to use well and conceal it. I believe there was some discussion of the sgian achlais (sp) a while back.

Of course, one must remember the first rule of knife fighting. Everybody gets cut, it's just an issue of how badly.

And as far as swords being a pain, you betcha. I wore a cutlass for years to full dress ceremonies with the U.S.N. Not exactly a petite item. Think two feet of heavy blade and brass handguard similar to a basket-hilt.