Are bokken training swords weapons under German weapons law?
To clarify this question, we need to take a look at the German Weapons Act (WaffG). The first paragraph, section 2a, provides a general definition of what is considered a weapon under the law.
§ Section 1 Subject matter and purpose of the Act, definitions
(1) This Act regulates the handling of weapons or ammunition, taking into account the interests of public safety and order.
(2) Weapons are 1. firearms or equivalent objects and 2. portable objects,
a) which by their nature are intended to eliminate or reduce the ability of people to attack or defend themselves, in particular blunt weapons;
b) which, without being intended for this purpose, are suitable, in particular due to their nature, handling or mode of action, for eliminating or reducing the ability of humans to attack or defend themselves, and which are specified in this Act.
This paragraph is defined in more detail in Annex I-A1-UA2-1.1 of the General Administrative Regulation on the Weapons Act (WaffVwV) of 22 March 2012.
This specifies that objects with blunt points and blunt edges are not considered to be blunt weapons.
Cutting and thrusting weapons are not considered to be implements which, although modelled on cutting and thrusting weapons (§ 1 Para. 2 No. 2 letter a in conjunction with Annex 1 Section 1 Subsection 2 No. 1.1), are obviously only intended for sporting purposes (e.g. sporting florettes, sporting epees, but not sharpened men's clubs). e.g. sporting florettes, sporting epees, but not sharpened scimitars), for the preservation of customs (e.g. historically reproduced epees, lances) or as decorative objects (e.g. ornamental epees, decorative swords).
In our opinion, bokken are therefore not to be classified as blunt weapons, as they are blunt and obviously made for sport. However, there is no clear legal clarity here due to the definition in Section 1 (2b) of the Weapons Act.
However, as there has never been a court judgement in connection with bokken to our knowledge, there does not seem to be any need for clarification from the courts on this point.
So what should you do with the bokken in public?
Due to the ambiguous legal situation, the bokken should always be transported "by the shortest route" from A to B and in a sealed container. This will prevent any legal problems in advance. Bokken bags and pouches, which are also available in our shop, are ideal for transport. By tying the bag, the bokken is not directly accessible and this makes a difference to open transport. In addition, the bokken itself is protected, which can't hurt either.
A few explanatory words at the end:
Please note that this is in no way legal advice or similar! As described above, to our knowledge there is no clear case law on the subject and the categorisation depends on the interpretation of the court in a serious case.
