Hostels for the most part are much nicer than you might think. If you can find a few peeps to put you up then you'll be in good stead but don't be scared off by the idea of hostels either. You wouldn't wanna stay with us though; new baby due end of January so you'd have trouble getting a good nights sleep.
Also, I figure you are joking about the knife, but if you aren't, DON'T BRING IT. Each country has its own laws about concealed weapons and with all the security at the moment you wouldn't get far with it. You can always buy something (knife, etc.) once you get to Europe if you are that worried about your personal security. Like I say though, be careful and research how each country you'll be in feels about weapons of all kinds.
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