No it isn't the other way around. Some young men (in the UK) in high crime areas will carry them illegally because it makes them feel safer. UK has strict gun and knife laws.

https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/london-knife-crim...

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/blog/what-young-people-say-abou...

https://theconversation.com/why-so-many-young-british-men-ar...