Brass Knuckles Are Illegal

Why Are Brass Knuckles Illegal?

Brass knuckles may seem like an innocuous self-defense tool, but they are actually illegal to own or carry in most states. Let’s break down the reasons behind the brass knuckles ban and what it means if you own a pair.

What are Brass Knuckles?

Brass knuckles are a handheld weapon made from brass, iron, or other hard metal designed to fit over the fingers. They make punches more powerful and damaging by concentrating force into a smaller, harder surface area.
Even though they seem pretty old-school, brass knuckles are an effective weapon – which is why they are illegal in most places. Police take a dim view of civilians carrying weapons like nunchucks or throwing stars too.

Why Were Brass Knuckles Banned?

Back in the late 1800s, brass knuckles became associated with unsavory characters like gangsters and criminals. Politicians decided to crack down by banning them in certain states and eventually nationwide.
Specific reasons brass knuckles are considered dangerous illegal weapons today include:

• Inflict serious injury – Brass knuckles can break bones, cause internal bleeding, injure organs, etc. Police argue that they have no place in civil society.
• Easy to conceal – Unlike a baseball bat, brass knuckles fit in your pocket making them easy to sneak around.
• Increase punching power – Normal punches already kill people every year. Brass knuckles make this more likely.

Of course, brass knuckles also have valid uses – like self-defense for women walking alone at night. But lawmakers decided the risks outweigh any benefits.

Where Are Brass Knuckles Illegal?

Today, brass knuckles are illegal in almost every state. There are only 5 states where brass knuckles are legal:

• Alaska – Allowed for adults over 21 years old
• Arizona – Recently made legal in 2010
• Vermont – No restrictions
• New Hampshire – Allowed with concealed carry permit
• Kentucky – Recently legalized in 2019

Everywhere else, brass knuckles fall under concealed weapons bans, proficiency testing requirements, or dangerous weapons prohibitions. It’s illegal to sell, manufacture, purchase, possess or even carry brass knuckles on your person.
For example in Texas, brass knuckles are lumped in with “prohibited weapons” alongside short-barrel firearms, explosive weapons, machine guns, armor-piercing ammo, zip guns, and tire deflation devices.
Simply owning brass knuckles is a misdemeanor. Carrying them on you in public jumps to a felony.

What About Self-Defense?

You may think brass knuckles seem perfect for self-defense – they’re small, easy to use, and pack a mean punch.
However, most states argue that carrying weapons like brass knuckles escalates violence instead of preventing it. Getting caught with brass knuckles can cause legal problems of its own.
Pepper spray or a stun gun are better self-defense choices in eyes of the law. They neutralize threats without the same risk of permanent injury or death that brass knuckles pose.
Of course, you also have the right to throw a punch if your life depends on it. But adding a weapon takes things too far. Claiming self-defense won’t necessarily protect you from weapons charges if police find brass knuckles on you.

Penalties for Brass Knuckles Possession

Getting busted with brass knuckles leads to criminal charges, possible jail time, fines, probation, community service and a permanent record.
Exact penalties vary by state but common brass knuckle convictions include:

• Misdemeanor possession of prohibited weapon – Up to 1 year in jail
• Felony possession of dangerous weapon – Multiple years prison
• Manufacturing/selling brass knuckles – Up to 10 years prison

Other consequences include confiscated brass knuckles, probation programs, anger management counseling, etc. It also hurts future job, housing, loan and other life prospects.

When Are Brass Knuckles Legal?

As mentioned earlier, brass knuckles are fully legal in Alaska, Arizona, Vermont, New Hampshire and Kentucky. No prescription is required – you can buy, sell or carry concealed brass knuckles with no issues.
Some other instances where brass knuckles may be legal:

• Private property – Legal to own on your own land in most states.
• Collectibles – OK to own as display pieces or novelties.
• Self-defense on private property – Allowed for protection in your home/land.
• Law enforcement/military – Legal for police or armed forces to possess them.

But in general, brass knuckles are illegal to take out into public areas. Be very careful owning brass knuckles even for self-defense reasons since it often backfires legally.

What About Metal Knuckles, Plastic Knuckles or 3D Printed Knuckles?

Brass knuckles bans often extend beyond just brass/metal to other materials too. Common wordings are “any device designed to fit over the fingers or knuckles”, or “any similar weapon”.
So metal knuckles, plastic knuckles, 3D printed knuckles or DIY homemade knuckles are frequently illegal too. Materials don’t matter if they have the same dangerous functionality.
Plastic/3D printed knuckles may fall into gray areas in some states. But it’s still risky business carrying knuckledusters made from any substance.

Can I Go to Jail for Owning Brass Knuckles?

Yes, you can definitely go to jail for buying, selling or possessing brass knuckles in most states. Exact penalties vary widely though.
For simple possession charges, you’ll typically face misdemeanors punishable by:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• $1,000+ fines
• Probation
• Community service

Felony convictions for carrying brass knuckles as dangerous weapons or intending to harm others can result in:

• Over 1 year in state prison
• Permanent criminal record
• Loss of civil rights

Selling brass knuckles illegally is also a felony with multi-year sentences in most areas.
Bottom line – brass knuckles may seem harmless, but the criminal justice system takes a very serious view. Getting caught with them can ruin your life.

Should Brass Knuckles Be Legal?

The brass knuckles debate features good arguments on both sides:
Reasons to legalize brass knuckles include:

• Self-defense rights – Citizens should be allowed non-lethal protection tools.
• Deter assaults – Attackers may think twice messing with an armed victim.
• Right to bear arms – Knuckles are less dangerous than guns which are legal.
• They’re just hunks of metal – No more harmful than a roll of quarters.

Arguments for keeping bans in place:

• Public safety issue – Knuckles make punching attacks much more damaging.
• Escalate violence – May turn minor fights into serious injuries/deaths.
• Easy to misuse – Impulsive people can badly hurt others.

Personally, I lean towards legalizing brass knuckles. Citizens should have access to reasonable self-defense tools. Outright bans may be an overreaction – better to allow ownership but strictly punish misuse. What do you think?

The Bottom Line

It’s unlikely the brass knuckles prohibition will disappear any time soon. Police argue they have no legitimate purpose outside of criminal violence. For now, leave the knuckledusters at home unless you live somewhere they are fully legal. Stick to pepper spray for self-defense instead!