Anything that is a weapon or can be used as a weapon needs to be peacebond. It shows that you signed the imaginary contract that you wont use the prop as a weapon at any time at the con.
If you have a specific question about a prop it would be best to email the staff.
I understand that this is verbatim rule - it does not help. I'll refrain from hyperbole, but put simply, some things are
clearly peacebonded, some things are
clearly not necessary to peacebond. I understand if it was built to look like a weapon, there is no doubt, but if it is actually, or a prop of an item not originally intended for harm (but in the hands of someone determined, of harm it is capable) is it considered necessary?
Ex. Say someone brings a lyre for their Zelda cosplay - is it a weapon because of the piano wire?
I'll ask a staff member my particular question, but I was hoping more of a solid line to be drawn for me.
Is there a generally accepted "grey area items are case by case?"
More gray-area items are things like boxing gloves my friend wears for one of her costumes. We ask every year if they need to be peacebonded, and since they're on a weak girl, stay on her hands and are made of primarily cotton, we're told no they don't need to be. We'd have to peacebond her arms in that case, where the lines get blurry and gray.
For this i thank you - it's unfortunate that you feel compelled to ask about boxing gloves - as they are intended to PREVENT harm.