Brass knuckles have been around for centuries. The laws regulating their use have been around a long time, too.
Those laws change depending on the owner’s exact location. For example, while not expressly forbidden to possess in the United States, some state and local governments have laws around their use.
Below is a look at some of those laws. But first, a quick look at how brass knucks became so popular.
The Popularity of Brass Knuckles
Brass knuckles effectively focus the force of a blow. They have a rich history. Most experts date the use of brass knuckles to Greek and Roman fighters. The Roman hand guard or glove, called the caestus, is often considered the first use of brass knuckles.
However, Sikhs in the 18th century also had a brass knuckle-type weapon called Sher Panja. In the somewhat murky history of the origins of brass knuckles, some consider this the first example.
In the United States, soldiers used the Mark I Trench Knife equipped with brass knuckles. A similar knife was issued to soldiers in World War II. After the war, civilians wanted them, as well. Movies also popularized them as a powerful tool when caught in a situation where you must fight.
However, some political leaders and law enforcement officials saw them as dangerous. By the mid to late 20th century, many areas had established laws on brass knuckle use.
Laws in the U.S.
Some states have made brass knuckles illegal. They include California, Illinois, Michigan and Vermont, according to Reference.com.
In some states, brass knuckles are legal. For example, lawmakers in Texas lifted a ban on brass knuckles in September 2019.
Most states treat knucks as a concealed weapon. That means carrying them may require a permit, such as it would with any concealed weapon. There are typically age requirements, as well, as with any concealed weapon.
Some knuckles also are sold as a necklace or other kind of jewelry or accessory. Laws vary in different states on the legality of such items.
The bottom line: It pays off to research the laws in your area and find out if you can possess brass knuckles. Also, be sure to find out what type of permit the local or state government might require you to obtain.
If I have a knife with a handguard of brass knuckles,
Can I wear it on my gun belt in Arizona?
Thanks for the question, but you’ll have to consult your lawyer on that.
That is what is called a trench knife and they are typically restricted to Military Personnel ONLY. Again state by state laws very. But seeing as how they are commonly spiked metal knuckles with a fulltang KBAR blade, I can only imagine most states prohibit such weapons or require registration and secured storage of such weapons.
Brass knuckles are known as one of the most effective self defense weapons. That is why you should ponder on the question that are brass knuckles illegal before buying them. Brass knuckles are legal in some of the states while in other they are illegal and heavy charges are pressed against the person who violates these laws.
so what is the law around brass knuckles in the state of ky…I’ve never had a felony and i bought a set of world 1 issue knuckles to show my dad and the cops saw them and locked my ass up. now i have a court date
Every state and even counties and cities have varying laws.
You would need to research your local and state laws on brass knuckles to find the answers to your questions.
“Kentucky requires a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon anywhere other than on one’s own property. Deadly weapons include firearms, knives, billy clubs, and brass knuckles.”
What were your charges? They are legal in Ky with a concealed deadly weapons permit, and Ky passed a law that eliminated the requirement of a permit to concealed carry that went into effect June 28. I was told this covers all deadly weapons, but you still can’t carry anywhere you couldn’t carry a concealed weapon before.
I’ll take “Something That Never Happened” for six hundred dollars Alex. Get real pansy. The only way you’d get locked up for having brass knuckles is if you used brass knuckles in a state where they are illegal. Do you really expect a group of grown men are going to believe that you were thrown in jail because a cop SAW you with them? You can be holding onto an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile and unless it’s stolen, all a cop if going to do is confiscate it from you.
I live in Indiana and I have a gun permit. If I wish could I carry brass knuckles instead of a gun?
You can carry brass knuckles in Indiana without having to have a permit.
In ky there are regulated like a pistol so dont conceale them unless your 21
I find it so ironic that in Michigan I can walk down main street with an AK47 over my shoulder loaded and a .357 magnum on my hip open carry and that is 100% legal (I’m pro gun so don’t take that wrong…just pointing out the irony) but if I even own knucks I go to prison for a year. I mean , I gotta be pretty close to use em , my .357 on the other hand , I can get some distance with that and even more with my AK. But only the knucks get me prison. They even legalized switchblades last year (christ that took to damn long). I bought knucks when I lived in a legal state , bought a switchy in the same state. Moved literally less than 30 miles for a job and both became felonies. Sometimes states laws are far more of a god damn mess than they should be.
Are brass knuckles legal in the state of Ohio.!!! IF YOU HAVE A CCW GUN PERMIT CAN THIS BE USED FOR BRASS KNUCKLES ALSO .
Please check your state and local law and/or consult with your attorney. The blog is for general informational purposes only, and not intended to provide legal counsel.
Yay that means that i get brass knuckles since they are legal in South Carolina only if its not for crime. Thatnks for the info. :)
We are not a legal entity and do not advise on legal matters. Please check with your state and local laws. The blog is for informational purposes only.
Texas just made them legal again.
Brass knuckles are legal now as of September first 2019 in Texas to possess.
This article needs updating. It states ” Even Texas, which typically has more lax laws on weapons, has made possession, manufacturing or sale of brass knuckles illegal ” Not true. It is legal to possess brass knuckles in Texas as of September 1, 2019. Update needed!
I noticed that in WV it looks like it is legal, I don’t really carry them but instead carry a baton which I’ve got mixed answers for. I have a concealed carry permit (though no longer needed) and WAS also in Corrections to which I was trained with them.
Know this was about brass knuckles but batons seem to be a better deterrent in case of a problem.
As far as I know the earliest dated knuckles in America are those belonging to Sam Houston with his name carved into them, found in the Sam Houston schoolhouse where he was a teacher in 1812 and are currently on display at the Sam Houston schoolhouse museum. Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard carried brass knuckles in the 1860’s which are currently on display at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC.
Brass knuckles are great I’m a knife man myself but jus remember if your going hit someone with knucks you can really really do damage broken bones or worse
You 100% correct. But you can also do a lot of damage to your own hand. I own a few pair but honestly, I never carry them. A knife or a concealed handgun (a 22LR at that) is all you need. I stopped carrying either a 9mm or a .45ACP because of collateral damage.
What if they aren’t made of “brass”? MA law states “BRASS” specifically “BRASS”
I assume a good lawyer could argue AND win that case