Can I carry a blunt sword in public?
§Section 42a of the German Weapons Act states this:
§ 42A PROHIBITION OF THE CARRYING OF MOCK WEAPONS AND CERTAIN PORTABLE OBJECTS
(1) It is prohibited
1. prima facie weapons,
2. edged weapons according to Annex 1 Section 1 Subsection 2 No. 1.1 or
3. knives with a blade that can be locked with one hand (one-handed knives) or fixed knives with a blade length of more than 12 cm
to lead.
(2) Paragraph 1 shall not apply
1. for use in photographic, film or television recordings or theatre performances,
2. for transport in a sealed container,
3. for carrying the objects referred to in paragraph 1 nos. 2 and 3, provided there is a legitimate interest.
Further regulations remain unaffected.
(3) A legitimate interest in accordance with paragraph 2 no. 3 exists in particular if the objects are carried in connection with the exercise of a profession, the cultivation of customs, sport or a generally recognised purpose.
Source: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/BJNR397010002.html
The Annex 1 mentioned in the text: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/anlage_1.html
In this context, it is first of all interesting to know whether blunt swords are considered a "prima facie weapon" as defined in Annex 1 1.6. As this section only deals with firearms, in our opinion blunt samurai swords do not count as prima facie weapons. Depending on the type of sword, it is even possible that the sword does not fall under the Weapons Act if it also has a blunt "tip". You can find out more about this in our article Blunt swords and German weapons law.
A few explanatory words:
Please note that this is in no way legal advice, a recommendation for action or similar!
