Batons

Batons: From the club to the tonfa

The origins of the baton cannot be dated back to a specific time period due to its simplicity. In principle, a simple, unworked wooden stick can be used as a baton. However, such primitive versions of the baton are now referred to as clubs. Nowadays, batons are used primarily by the military, police and security services and are widespread throughout the world.

Types of batons

The tonfa is a baton with a cross handle that can be made of metal, wood or hard rubber. It is believed that the tonfa originally came from China and was used there as a tool for moving millstones. The tonfa's characteristic cross handle allows for additional handling options, such as quick rotary strikes from the wrist. The weapon can also be used to protect one's own forearm.

Rubber batons , such as those used by the police, consist of rubber-coated hardwood cores. When struck on the bones, they spring back, meaning that not all of the impact energy is applied to the person hit. Solid rubber batons were banned over time because they transferred the entire impulse and could therefore cause serious injuries.

The telescopic baton is also often used by police forces. It consists of several, usually three segments, which can be pushed into one another and pulled apart again if necessary. The handle segment serves as a sleeve for the two inner segments. Telescopic batons are usually made of aluminum or steel. The handle is usually covered with rubber or plastic. Small baton for increased impact power: Kubotan

Questions: Batons

Are batons allowed in Germany?

Whether a baton is prohibited or permitted in Germany depends on the variant in question. In any case, the baton is considered a weapon in the sense of the Weapons Act (Section 1 Paragraph 2). It is generally prohibited to carry batons at public events (Section 42 Weapons Act). In the case of telescopic batons, carrying them in public is an administrative offence. However, possession and purchase are permitted for persons over 18 years of age. Carrying telescopic batons is only permitted if there is a "legitimate interest". According to the Weapons Act, this includes, for example, professional activity, sport, customs and a generally recognised purpose. Carrying for defensive purposes does not fall under a legitimate interest. Carrying tonfas is generally prohibited according to Section 42a Weapons Act, but purchase and possession are permitted. Here, too, the weapon may be carried if there is a legitimate interest. In addition, use for film, photo or television recordings is permitted. They must be transported in a closed container. The batons mentioned above must be distinguished from the so-called “totschläger”. According to German law, these are flexible striking devices with a weight on the end. The slashing energy is increased by the slinging motion to a considerable degree of movement and impact energy. This whipping effect can cause serious and very serious injuries, which is why such weapons are banned in Germany. The same applies to the steel rod made of spring steel, which is a flexible telescopic baton with an iron or lead ball on the tip.

What accessories are available for batons?

If permitted, tonfas and rubber truncheons can be carried on specially designed belt holders, making them quickly accessible in an emergency. Special tips designed to break glass are available for batons, where interchangeable. There are also mirror attachments that allow the wearer to look around corners without exposing themselves to any potential danger.