View source for Brass knuckles

{{short description|Weapon used in hand-to-hand combat}}
{{other uses}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2024}}
{{redirect-multi|2|Knuckleduster|Knucks|the flying boat|Short Knuckleduster|the rapper|Knucks (musician)}}
[[File:Brass knuckles.jpg|thumb|right|Brass knuckles]]
'''Brass knuckles''' (also referred to as '''brass knucks''', '''knuckledusters''', '''iron fist''' and '''paperweight''', among other names) are a melee weapon used primarily in [[Hand to hand combat|hand-to-hand combat]]. They are fitted and designed to be worn around the [[knuckle]]s of the human hand. Despite their name, they are often made from [[steel]], [[aluminium]], plastics or carbon fibers and not necessarily [[brass]].

Designed to preserve and concentrate a [[Punch (strike)|punch]]'s force by directing it toward a [[Elasticity (physics)|harder]] and [[Pascal's law|smaller]] contact area, they result in increased [[tissue (biology)|tissue]] [[Blunt trauma|disruption]], including an increased likelihood of [[Bone fracture|fracturing]] the intended target's [[bone]]s on impact. The extended and rounded palm grip also spreads the [[Newton's third law of motion|counter-force]] across the attacker's palm, which would otherwise have been absorbed primarily by the attacker's fingers. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the attacker's fingers.

The weapon is controversial for its easy concealability and its association with organized crime, as a result it is illegal to own and use in a number of countries.

== History and variations ==
[[File:Brass knuckles law.svg|left|thumb|Legality of brass knuckles: nations in green (possession only), teal (possession in many local subdivision) and blue (possession and bearing).]]
[[File:Abraham Lincoln bodyguard's brass knuckles 04725u original.jpg|thumb|right|Brass knuckles carried by [[Abraham Lincoln]]'s bodyguards during [[Baltimore Plot|his train ride through Baltimore]]. [[Ford's Theatre|Ford's Theatre National Historic Site]], 2007]]
[[File:Apache revolver.jpg|thumb|An [[Apache revolver]], a weapon that combines brass knuckles with a firearm and a dagger – [[Curtius Museum]], Liège, 2011]]
[[File:M1918 Trench Knife.jpg|thumb|Mark I brass knuckles trench knife]]
[[File:Homemade Brass Knuckles.jpg|thumb|Homemade brass knuckles used in a lumber camp in Pine County, Minnesota. {{circa|1890}}]]
During the 19th century, [[cast iron]], brass, [[lead]], and [[wood]] knuckles were made in the United States during the [[American Civil War]] (1861–1865). Soldiers would often buy cast iron or brass knuckles. If they could not buy them, they would carve their own from wood, or cast them at camp by melting lead [[bullets]] and using a mold in the dirt.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Some brass knuckles have rounded rings, which increase the impact of blows from moderate to severe damage. Other instruments (not generally considered to be "brass knuckles" or "metal knuckles" ''per se'') may have spikes, sharp points and cutting edges. These devices come in many variations and are called by a variety of names, including "knuckle knives."{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

By the late 18th century, knuckledusters were incorporated into various kinds of [[pistols]] such as the [[Apache revolver]] used by criminals in [[France]] in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Frost |first=H. Gordon |title=Blades And Barrels, Six Centuries Of Combination Weapons |publisher=Walloon Press |others=Foreword by Leon C. "Red" Jackson |year=1972 |edition=1st |publication-place=El Paso, Texas, USA |language=en |oclc=1106930}}</ref>{{Page needed|date=September 2022}} During [[World War I]] the [[US Army]] issued two different knuckle knives, the US model 1917 and US model 1918 [[Mark I trench knife|Mark I]] [[trench knife|trench knives]]. Knuckles and knuckle knives were also being made in England at the time and purchased privately by British soldiers. It was advised not to polish brass knuckles as allowing the brass to darken would act as camouflage on the battlefield.<ref>The Handbook Of The SAS And Elite Forces. How The Professionals Fight And Win. Edited by Jon E. Lewis. p.325-Tactics And Techniques, Personal Skills And Techniques. Robinson Publishing Ltd 1997. ISBN 1-85487-675-9</ref>

By [[World War II]], knuckles and knuckle knives were quite popular with both American and British soldiers. The Model 1918 trench knives were reissued to American [[paratroopers]]. A notable knuckle knife still in use is the [[Cuchillo De Paracaidista|Cuchillo de Paracaidista]], issued to [[4th Parachute Brigade (Argentina)|Argentinian paratroopers]]. Current-issue models have an emergency blade in the crossguard.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

== Legality and distribution ==
Brass knuckles are illegal in several regions, including: [[Italy]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Bosnia]], [[Canada]], [[Denmark]], [[Croatia]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mihelić |first=Marija |date=18 February 2012 |title=Zabranjeno oružje - idealan dar: kupite bokser za samo 350 kuna |language=hr |trans-title=Prohibited weapons - an ideal gift: buy a boxer for only 350 kuna |work=[[Novi list]] |publication-place=Rijeka, Croatia |url=http://www.novilist.hr/Vijesti/Hrvatska/Slavonija/Zabranjeno-oruzje-idealan-dar-kupite-bokser-za-samo-350-kuna |url-status=live |access-date=11 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613084013/http://www.novilist.hr/Vijesti/Hrvatska/Slavonija/Zabranjeno-oruzje-idealan-dar-kupite-bokser-za-samo-350-kuna |archive-date=13 June 2013 |issn=1334-1545 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Cyprus]], [[Estonia]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anlage 2 (zu § 2 Abs. 2 bis 4) Waffenliste |trans-title=Appendix 2 (to Section 2, Paragraphs 2 to 4) list of weapons |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/anlage_2_84.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222195947/http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/anlage_2_84.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=3 November 2014 |work=Waffengesetz |trans-work=Weapons Act |publisher=[[Federal Ministry of Justice (Germany)|Federal Ministry of Justice]] |language=de |publication-place=Berlin, Germany |quote=Abschnitt 1: ... Verbotene Waffen ... Der Umgang mit folgenden Waffen und Munition ist verboten: ... 1.3.2 ... Schlagringe|trans-quote=Section 1: ... Prohibited weapons ... Handling the following weapons and munitions is prohibited: ... 1.3.2 ... Brass knuckles [lit. striking rings]}}</ref> [[Greece]], [[Hungary]], [[Iran]], [[Israel]], [[Ireland]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/FAQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323165246/https://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/FAQ |archive-date=23 March 2018 |access-date=22 March 2018 |publisher=[[Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration|Department of Justice and Equality]] |language=en |publication-place=Dublin, Ireland}}</ref> [[Malaysia]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958 (Revised 1988) |url=http://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/consol_act/caesaowa19581988652/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417050340/http://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/consol_act/caesaowa19581988652/ |archive-date=17 April 2022 |access-date=18 September 2022 |publication-place=Putrajaya, Malaysia |via=[[Free Access to Law Movement|Commonwealth Legal Information Institute]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Act 2014 |url=http://mltic.my/criminal/legislation/corrosive-and-explosive-substances-and-offensive-weapons-amendment-act-2014-MY10065.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804170455/http://mltic.my/criminal/legislation/corrosive-and-explosive-substances-and-offensive-weapons-amendment-act-2014-MY10065.html |archive-date=4 August 2016 |access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> the [[Netherlands]], [[Norway]], [[Poland]], [[Portugal]], [[Russia]], [[Spain]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Real Decreto 137/1993, de 29 de enero, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de Armas |trans-title=Royal Decree 137/1993, of January 29, which approves the Weapons Regulation |url=https://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/Admin/rd137-1993.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918023651/https://noticias.juridicas.com/base_datos/Admin/rd137-1993.html |archive-date=18 September 2022 |access-date=20 August 2012 |website=Noticias Jurídicas |language=es |publication-place=Madrid, Spain}}</ref> [[Turkey]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Yasak Ateşsiz Silahlar |trans-title=Prohibited Non-Firearm Weapons |url=http://kriminal.iem.gov.tr/balistik_yasak_atessiz.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917155258/http://kriminal.iem.gov.tr/balistik_yasak_atessiz.htm |archive-date=17 September 2013 |access-date=18 September 2022 |language=tr}}</ref> [[Sweden]], [[Singapore]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Controlled and Prohibited Items Under Police Licensing and Regulatory Department |url=https://www.police.gov.sg/~/media/spf/files/e-services/faq-%20items.pdf?la=en |access-date=18 January 2018 |page=11 |format=PDF |publication-place=Singapore}}</ref> [[Taiwan]],<ref name="刀械法">{{Cite web |script-title=zh:槍砲彈藥刀械管制條例 |trans-title=Firearms, Ammunition and Knives Control Ordinance |url=http://www.6law.idv.tw/6law/law/%BAj%AF%A5%BCu%C3%C4%A4M%B1%F1%BA%DE%A8%EE%B1%F8%A8%D2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809022359/https://www.6laws.net/6law/law/%E6%A7%8D%E7%A0%B2%E5%BD%88%E8%97%A5%E5%88%80%E6%A2%B0%E7%AE%A1%E5%88%B6%E6%A2%9D%E4%BE%8B.htm |archive-date=9 August 2022 |access-date=18 September 2022 |language=zh |publication-place=Taipei, Taiwan}}</ref> [[Ukraine]], the [[United Arab Emirates]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=None |title=Passenger carrying weapons arrested |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/passenger-carrying-weapons-arrested |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref> and the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>
* Prohibition of offensive weapons: {{cite legislation UK |type=act |act=Criminal Justice Act 1988 |year=1988 |chapter=33 |section=141 |mode=cs1}}
* Definition of knuckledusters as offensive weapons for the purposes of the above: {{cite legislation UK |type=si |si=The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988 |year=1988 |number=2019 |schedule=0|mode=cs1}}</ref>

Import of brass knuckles into [[Australia]] is illegal unless a government permit is obtained; permits are available for only limited purposes, such as police and government use, or use in film productions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can you bring it in? |url=https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/weapons |access-date=9 October 2022 |publisher=Border Force |location=Australia |language=en |quote=Import permits are generally only issued for police/government use or 'specified purposes' such as for filming a movie. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009130645/https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/weapons |archive-date=2023-10-09 |url-status=live}}</ref> They are prohibited weapons in the state of [[New South Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NSW Police Force – Firearms Registry Schedule 1 – Prohibited Weapons Prescribed Safe Storage – Reference Clause 35A of the Weapons Prohibition Regulation 2009 |url=http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/133191/Prohibited_Weapons_Schedule1_April_2012.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210044216/http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/133191/Prohibited_Weapons_Schedule1_April_2012.pdf |archive-date=10 February 2017 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=16 September 2016 |publisher=[[New South Wales Police Force]] |page=2 |language=en |format=PDF |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales, Australia}}</ref>

In [[Brazil]], brass knuckles are legal and freely sold. They are called {{Lang|pt-BR|soco inglês}}, which means 'English punch', or {{Lang|pt-BR|soqueira}}, which means 'puncher'.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In [[Canada]], brass knuckles (Canadian French {{Lang|fr|poing américain}}, which literally means 'American fist'), or any similar devices made of metal, are listed as prohibited weapons;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Department of Justice Canada |author-link=Department of Justice Canada |date=16 September 1998 |title=Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (SOR/98-462) |url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-462/FullText.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916014024/https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-98-462/fulltext.html |archive-date=16 September 2022 |access-date=2 November 2011 |at=Part 3: Prohibited Weapons, §15. Former Prohibited Weapons Order, No. 8 |language=en}}</ref> possession of such weapon is a criminal offence under the ''[[Criminal Code (Canada)|Criminal Code]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Department of Justice Canada |title=Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c. C-46 |year=1985 |chapter=Part 3. Section 91 |access-date=29 May 2007 |chapter-url=http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowDoc/cs/C-46/bo-ga:l_II_1::bo-ga:l_III/20070529/en?page=3&isPrinting=false#codese:91 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706182047/http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowDoc/cs/C-46/bo-ga:l_II_1::bo-ga:l_III/20070529/en?page=3&isPrinting=false#codese:91 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Plastic knuckles have been determined to be legal in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada Border Services Agency |author-link=Canada Border Services Agency |date=19 January 2022 |orig-date=17 July 2002 |title=D19-13-2 Importing and Exporting Firearms, Weapons and Devices |url=https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-13-2-eng.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901061610/https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-13-2-eng.html |archive-date=1 September 2022 |access-date=22 January 2016 |at=§43: Brass knuckles |language=en |publication-place=Ottawa, Canada |issn=2369-2391}}</ref>

In [[France]], brass knuckles are illegal. They can be bought as a "collectable" (provided one is over 18), but it is forbidden to carry or use one, whatever the circumstance, including self-defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Décret n°95-589 du 6 mai 1995 relatif à l'application du décret du 18 avril 1939 fixant le régime des matériels de guerre, armes et munitions |trans-title=Decree No. 95-589 of May 6, 1995 relating to the application of the decree of April 18, 1939 establishing the regime for war materials, weapons and ammunition |url=http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexteArticle.do;?idArticle=LEGIARTI000024655301&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000005618597 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210044311/https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexteArticle.do;?idArticle=LEGIARTI000024655301&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000005618597 |archive-date=10 February 2017 |access-date=18 September 2022 |publisher=[[Légifrance]] |at=§B, 4th category, paragraph 1 |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France |quote=Tous objets susceptibles de constituer une arme dangereuse pour la sécurité publique, et notamment les ... coups de poing américains&nbsp;...}}</ref> The French term is {{Lang|fr|coup-de-poing américain}}, which literally means 'American punch'.

In [[Russia]], brass knuckles were illegal to purchase or own during [[Russian Empire|Imperial]] times and are still forbidden according to Article 6 of the 1996 Federal Law on Weapons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 1996 |script-title=ru:Федеральный закон от 13.12.1996 N 150-ФЗ (ред. от 14.07.2022) "Об оружии" |trans-title=Federal Law No. 150-FZ of December 13, 1996 (as amended on July 14, 2022) "On Weapons" |url=https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_12679/d542c9b621f4c3b3add21c37bd569cd489aea5e8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906020536/https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_12679/d542c9b621f4c3b3add21c37bd569cd489aea5e8/ |archive-date=6 September 2022 |access-date=18 September 2022 |at=Article 6. Restrictions on the circulation of civilian and service weapons, §1, paragraph 4 |language=ru |publication-place=Moscow, Russia |via=[[Consultant Plus|Консультант Плюс]] [Consultant Plus]}}</ref> They are called {{Lang|ru|кастет}} (from [[French language|French]] {{Lang|fr|casse-tête}}, literally 'head breaker').{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In [[Serbia]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zakon o oružju i municiji |trans-title=The Law on Weapons and Ammunition |url=http://www.paragraf.rs/propisi/zakon_o_oruzju_i_municiji.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322213230/https://www.paragraf.rs/propisi/zakon_o_oruzju_i_municiji.html |archive-date=22 March 2022 |access-date=11 December 2016 |website=Paragraf Lex |language=hr}}</ref> brass knuckles are legal to purchase and own (for people over 16 years old) but are not legal to carry in public. They are called {{Lang|sr-Cyrl|боксер}}, literally 'boxer'.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In [[Taiwan]], according to the [[law of the Republic of China]], possession and sales of brass knuckles are illegal. Under the regulation, brass knuckles are considered weapons. Without the permission of the central regulatory agency, it is against the law to manufacture, sell, transport, transfer, rent, or have them in any collection or on display.<ref name="刀械法" />

In [[China]], brass knuckles are legal as per the law of the People's Republic of China. According to Article 32 of the "Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China |publisher=Congressional-Executive Commission on China |url=https://www.cecc.gov/resources/legal-provisions/public-security-administration-punishment-law-chinese-text |access-date=2023-08-29}}</ref> citizens can legally own them for [[self-defense]], but they are prohibited items in certain places. For example, brass knuckles are not allowed to be carried when travelling on metro systems, buses, trains or other public transport. In [[ancient China]], brass knuckles were popular, and were used regularly as a [[concealed weapon]] or self-defense tool.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}

In the [[United States]], brass knuckles are not prohibited at the [[Federal government of the United States|federal]] level, but various [[U.S. state|state]], [[County (United States)|county]] and city laws, and the District of Columbia,<!--DC Code § 22–4501 defines "knuckles", § 22–4514 bans them--> regulate or prohibit their purchase and/or possession.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://wisevoter.com/state-rankings/brass-knuckles-legality-by-state/#:~:text=The%20states%20where%20brass%20knuckles,%2C%20Utah%2C%20Virginia%2C%20West%20Virginia |title=Brass Knuckles Legality by State 2023}}</ref> {{As of|2025}}, brass knuckles are prohibited in 20 states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brass Knuckles Legality By State 2025 |url=https://www.datapandas.org/ranking/brass-knuckles-legality-by-state |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Data Pandas |language=en}}</ref> Some state laws require purchasers to be 18 or older. Most states have statutes regulating the carrying of weapons, and some specifically prohibit brass knuckles or "metal knuckles". Some companies manufacture belt buckles or novelty paper weights that function as brass knuckles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2006 |orig-date=10 April 2006 |title=14,000 Brass Knuckles Found Disguised As Belt Buckles |language=en |work=Local 6 News |publisher=[[WKMG-TV]] |url=http://www.local6.com/news/8608247/detail.html |url-status=dead |access-date=8 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927045834/http://www.local6.com/news/8608247/detail.html |archive-date=September 27, 2008}}</ref> Brass knuckles made of plastic, rather than metal, have been marketed as "undetectable by airport metal detectors".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wei |first=Ben |date=6 July 2007 |title=New Undetectable Weapon Could Slip By Security At Airports This Summer |language=en |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |publication-place=New York, USA |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/07/new-undetectabl.html |url-status=dead |access-date=18 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508030015/http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/07/new-undetectabl.html |archive-date=8 May 2017}}</ref> Some states that ban metal knuckles also ban plastic knuckles. For example, New York's criminal statutes list both "metal knuckles" and "plastic knuckles" as prohibited weapons, but do not define either.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consolidated Laws of New York Ch. 40: Penal Law, Part 3, Title P, Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons, Article 265.01|url=https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/265.01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815035431/https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/265.01 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=18 September 2022 |publisher=[[New York State Legislature]] |at=Paragraph 1 |language=en |publication-place=New York, USA}}</ref>
[[File:Brass_Knuckles_Legality_By_U.S._State.png|thumb|Red Illegal, Blue legal, Green legal with permit.]]

== See also ==
* [[Bagh nakh]]
* [[Cestus (boxing)]]
* [[Gauntlet (glove)]]
* [[Mark I trench knife]]
* [[Tekkō]]
* [[Vajra-mushti]]
* [[Weighted-knuckle glove]]

== References ==
{{Commons|position=left}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Brass]]
[[Category:Metallic objects]]