Are katanas legal?🇩🇪

Every katana in our range is manufactured exclusively as a blunt decorative object. The blades are completely blunt from the factory and feature a safely rounded tip. Due to this construction, our products are purely for display and collection purposes and have no weapon functionality. They therefore meet the criteria for a harmless decorative object.

Since our items are purely decorative objects, they are not subject to the strict purchase restrictions of the German Weapons Act (WaffG) for functional weapons. A purchase is therefore legally possible without any restrictions. However, with our offer, we explicitly address responsible collectors, anime fans, and cosplayers.

Safe presentation: If you display your katana on a wall mount or table stand, ensure that the mount is securely installed and that the sword cannot accidentally fall down.

Protection against unauthorized access: If children or pets live in your household, we strongly recommend displaying the collectible out of their reach – ideally in a lockable display case or in a high wall position inaccessible to children.

Am I allowed to take the katana to an anime or cosplay event?

Even though our katanas are blunt and harmless, they are characterized by an extremely detailed and authentic design.

German law classifies such objects as so-called "imitation weapons" (Anscheinswaffen). Therefore, please strictly observe the following rules for handling them outside of your home:

§ 42a WaffG (ban on carrying): It is legally prohibited in Germany to carry imitation weapons in public in an accessible manner ("to carry/lead"). A violation can be punished with significant fines.

Safe transport: When you transport your katana (e.g., on the way to a convention, a photo shoot, or during a move), the sword must be in a locked container. A closed carrying bag, a backpack, or the original, opaque-taped shipping carton satisfy this requirement perfectly. The sword must not be accessible to third parties with a simple movement.

Regulations at conventions/trade fairs: For cosplayers, the following applies: Please always inform yourself in advance about the specific "weapons rules" of the respective event. For safety reasons, many conventions only allow replicas made of foam or wood and generally prohibit metal blades – even if they are completely blunt.

Are katanas legal?🇨🇭

According to the Swiss Weapons Act (WG), katanas are not considered weapons provided they are completely blunt from the factory and are used as decorative or collector's items. This means that the possession and purchase of our anime replicas are legally permitted in Switzerland without any restrictions.

Since they are purely decorative objects and cosplay props, they do not fall under the strict purchase restrictions for functional bladed weapons. However, with our offer, we explicitly address responsible fans and collectors.

Am I allowed to take the katana to an anime or cosplay event?

Our katanas are decorative collectibles and are not sharpened. According to the Swiss Weapons Act (WG), they are not considered weapons. Nevertheless, they fall into the category of objects that are deceptively similar to real weapons.

Taking katanas to anime or cosplay events in Switzerland is generally permitted, provided that:

1. The katana is completely blunt and used purely as a prop.
2. The specific rules of the respective event are observed. Many Swiss conventions require that metal blades (even if blunt) be checked at the entrance and, if necessary, secured with a cable tie ("peace bonding").
3. Transport in public takes place in a closed and opaque container (e.g., a bag or the original shipping carton) so that the object is not openly visible in public spaces.

Are katanas legal?🇦🇹

Our katanas are blunt decorative and collector's items. They are not sharpened from the factory and are intended exclusively for decoration, collection, or as cosplay props – use for combat, training, or self-defense is excluded.

In Austria, our blunt replicas are legally considered decorative objects. Private possession and purchase are therefore completely unproblematic and freely possible. However, we always recommend responsible storage in private spaces, especially if children live in the household.

Am I allowed to take the katana to an anime or cosplay event?

Katanas sold as decorative or collector's items without a sharp blade are legal in Austria. Carrying such katanas to anime or cosplay events is generally permitted, provided that:

1. The katana is blunt and remains clearly recognizable as a prop.
2. The dress codes and weapons rules of the respective organizer are strictly observed.
3. The katana is safely and opaquely packed during transport in public spaces (e.g., on the subway or at the train station) and is not carried openly.

Many Austrian organizers require a check at the entrance or so-called "peace bonding," where the prop is sealed by security personnel. We strongly recommend that you inform yourself in advance on the convention's website about the exact rules for metal replicas.

Disclaimer

This research has been conducted by the Blade of Anime team to the best of our knowledge and belief. Please note that this is in no way legal advice or a recommendation for action!

General note

Our katanas are intended exclusively for decoration, collection, cosplay, and display. They must not be used as a weapon, training device, or for self-defense.

Please always inform yourself about the organizer's applicable rules and local regulations before carrying them in public or attending an event.