Is it legal to buy/possess a katana or samurai sword?
§Section 2 of the German Weapons Act states this:
§ 2 PRINCIPLES OF HANDLING WEAPONS OR AMMUNITION, LIST OF WEAPONS
(1) Only persons who have reached the age of 18 are authorised to handle weapons or ammunition.
(2) The handling of weapons or ammunition listed in Annex 2 (Weapons List) Section 2 to this Act requires a licence.
(3) The handling of weapons or ammunition listed in Annex 2 Section 1 to this Act is prohibited.
(4) Weapons or ammunition with which handling is wholly or partially exempt from the authorisation requirement or from a ban are listed in Annex 2, Sections 1 and 2. Furthermore, Section 3 of Annex 2 lists the weapons and ammunition to which this Act does not apply in whole or in part.
(5) If there is any doubt as to whether an object is covered by this Act or how it is to be categorised in accordance with the definitions in Sections 1 and 3 of Annex 1 and Annex 2, the competent authority shall decide upon application. The following are authorised to apply
1. manufacturers, importers, purchasers or owners of the object, insofar as they can credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest in the decision pursuant to sentence 1,
2. the competent federal and state authorities.
The competent authorities under federal state law shall be heard prior to the decision. The decision shall be generally binding for the area of application of this Act. It shall be published in the Federal Gazette.
Source: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/BJNR397010002.html
Appendix 2 mentioned in the text: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/anlage_2.html
According to our interpretation of the text, it is necessary for the acquisition/possession that the purchaser/owner has reached the age of 18. You will find here more information.
As Schedule 2 of the Act does not deal further with cutting and thrusting weapons (other than those disguised as everyday objects), we do not believe that there are any additional restrictions on the acquisition and possession of samurai swords.
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:
