Am I allowed to wield a samurai sword in public?
§Section 42a of the German Weapons Act states this:
§ Section 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 our opinion, the carrying of samurai swords in public is prohibited, as they are classified as weapons in Annex 1 Subsection 2 No. 1.1. Unless the conditions of §42a paragraph 2 are fulfilled.
The same also applies to most blunt samurai swordsbecause these often have an unblunted tip.
A few explanatory words:
Please note that this is in no way legal advice, a recommendation for action or similar!
The most important legal regulations in this context:
