Which of these items is classified as a dangerous weapon?

A sword is classified as a dangerous weapon because it is specifically designed for cutting or thrusting and can cause significant harm when used as intended. Its structure, sharp edges, and potential for lethal force distinguish it from everyday objects. The legal definitions of dangerous weapons often focus on items that can be used to inflict injury or death, and swords unequivocally fit this criterion due to their historical use in combat and the clear intent for harm they embody.

In contrast, items such as a rubber band, a pen, and a book, while they might be used inappropriately in certain contexts, do not possess the inherent characteristics that classify them as weapons. These everyday objects lack the intentional design for causing injury or damage, thereby reducing their classification in the context of dangerous weapons. Understanding the distinctions between commonplace items and those specifically designed for harm is critical in the context of law enforcement and public safety.