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Brass Knuckles
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Brass Knuckles: An Overview
Brass knuckles, also known as knuckledusters or knucks, are weapons used in hand-to-hand combat that consist of four linked rings that are gripped in the fist. They are designed to concentrate and multiply the force of a punch, allowing the wearer to more easily damage or break bones on impact.
History and Origins
The origins of brass knuckles are unclear, but they likely emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. Some of the earliest brass knuckle designs incorporated small blades and were known as “trench knives.” They were used by soldiers during World War I for close-quarters fighting.
Over time, brass knuckles evolved into their more common ring design. They were popular among groups like miners, sailors, soldiers, and gangsters who frequently engaged in brawls and needed an advantage in hand-to-hand combat. Brass knuckles allowed these groups to inflict serious injury with their fists.
Legal Status
Today, brass knuckles are illegal to own or carry in most U.S. states and many countries. In the United States, their legality varies by state but they are banned in some form in 39 states.
Some states, like California, have exceptions that allow brass knuckles to be possessed at home or carried with a valid concealed carry permit. Others, like Texas, ban carrying brass knuckles but allow them to be kept at home for collection or display purposes.
The federal government also prohibits the interstate sale, shipment, or receipt of brass knuckles under the Switchblade Act. Violating brass knuckle laws can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, and even jail time in some jurisdictions.
Reasons for Bans
There are several reasons why brass knuckles have been banned almost universally:
- They can easily inflict serious bodily injury: Brass knuckles concentrate force in a small area, allowing them to more easily break bones, cause concussions, lacerate tissue, and knock out teeth. This elevated injury risk makes them dangerous in the hands of criminals.
- They have no utility outside of combat/self-defense: Things like knives and clubs have uses beyond harming others (e.g. opening boxes, hammering nails). Brass knuckles are only designed to multiply punching power and have no other legal use.
- They are easily concealed: At about 3-5 inches long and a few ounces in weight, brass knuckles can be hidden in a pocket or purse. This concealability raises public safety concerns.
- They have a violent reputation: Historically, brass knuckles were used by soldiers, gangsters, and criminals. This association with violence likely influences views that they should not be in civilian hands.
However, there are also arguments against blanket brass knuckle bans. Some claim they have legitimate self-defense uses against larger/stronger attackers. Others view bans as infringing on citizens’ rights to possess tools to protect themselves. But so far, these arguments have gained little legal traction.
Uses and Purposes
So why were brass knuckles invented if they have been outlawed for so long? They may have questionable legality today, but brass knuckles were originally designed to serve several purposes:
Self-Defense
One of the main uses of brass knuckles, especially in their early days, was for self-defense and close-quarters fighting. Groups like soldiers, sailors, and miners working in remote areas did not always have access to firearms. Brass knuckles gave them a way to dramatically increase their punching power in case they were attacked.
Even today, some self-defense experts believe brass knuckles have a legitimate use against larger, stronger attackers when other weapons are not available. However, significant legal risks remain.
Brawling/Fighting
Unfortunately, brass knuckles have also been popular among members of street gangs, prisoners, and others who engage in frequent fighting and criminal violence. In these contexts, brass knuckles are used to severely injure others by multiplying the force of punches.
Compliance/Threats
Due to their injury potential, brass knuckles have also been used by criminals, gangsters, and corrupt security personnel to threaten, intimidate, and abuse others. Simply displaying brass knuckles can frighten people into complying with the wearer’s demands.
Design and Variants
While the most common design is four interconnected finger rings, brass knuckles have spawned an array of variants over the years:
- Trench knives: WWI-era blades with brass knuckle handles for both cutting and punching
- Belted knuckles: Rings attached to a leather strap worn across the fingers
- Offset handle knuckles: Handle-grip design that sits alongside the fingers
- Folding knuckles: Hinged rings that fold into a grip handle
- Keychain knuckles: Tiny multi-ring novelties that attach to keys
- Spiked knuckles: Rings with sharp metal spikes designed to puncture skin
- Weighted knuckles: Rings contain metal pellets to increase punching force
Modern forms tend to use lighter metals like aluminum rather than brass. Some variants incorporate features like emergency glass breakers and DNA catchers designed to scrape skin from an attacker’s face.
Training and Techniques
While brass knuckles require no special skills to cause injury, training in proper striking, gripping, and deployment techniques can maximize their effectiveness. Those interested in brass knuckles for self-defense purposes may wish to seek out this specialized training.
However, such training is rare and risky given the legal status of brass knuckles. Very few facilities offer brass knuckle training courses. Doing so can be considered intent or conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon.
For those set on obtaining training, options are largely limited to instructional DVDs and online videos detailing grip methods, target areas, punching dynamics, and deployment strategies.
Conclusion
In summary, brass knuckles and their variants have a mixed history and reputation. While originally designed as weapons for close-quarters fighting and self-defense, they are now tightly regulated weapons due to their injury potential and violent associations. Very few jurisdictions allow civilian brass knuckle possession, even for self-defense purposes.
Those still wishing to obtain brass knuckles face legal risks and very limited training options. Any search should begin by checking state laws and the potential penalties for illegal possession or use during an assault. Given bans across most of the United States, brass knuckles remain an option only for those willing to become potential felons.
Resources
Brass Knuckle Laws By State 2023 | Are Brass Knuckles Legal?