Brass knuckles, also sometimes called knuckles, knucks, brass knucks, knucklebusters, or knuckledusters,
are weapons used in hand-to-hand combat.
Brass knuckles are pieces of metal shaped to fit around the knuckles.
Despite their name, they are often made from other metals, plastics or carbon fibers.
Designed to preserve and concentrate a punch's force by directing it toward a harder and
smaller contact area, they result in increased tissue disruption, including an increased
likelihood of fracturing the victim's bones on impact.
The extended and rounded palm grip also spreads across the attacker's palm the counter-force
that would otherwise be absorbed primarily by the attacker's fingers, reducing the likelihood
of damage to the attacker's fingers.
History and variations Metal ring and knuckle style weapons date
back to ancient times and have been used all over the world for many hundreds of years.
The Nihang Sikhs used an early variant called Sher Panja in the 18th century.
Cast iron, brass, lead, and wood knuckles were made in the United States during the
American Civil War.
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.
Some brass knuckles have rounded rings, which increase the impact of blows.
Other instruments 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."
By the late 19th 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.
During World War I the US Army issued two different knuckle knives, the US model 1917
and US model 1918 Mark I trench knives.
Knuckles and knuckle knives were also being made in England at the time and purchased
privately by British soldiers.
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.
British Commandos even had their very own "Death's Head" knuckle knife, featuring a
skull-shaped brass knuckle handle.
A notable knuckle knife still in use is the Cuchillo de Paracaidista, issued to Argentinian
paratroopers.
Current-issue models have an emergency blade in the crossguard.
Legality and distribution In Canada, brass knuckles, also referred to
as "brass monkeys", or any similar devices, are listed as prohibited weapons; possession
of such weapon is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Similar legislation has been instituted in Russia and Australia.
In France, America, and in Italy, brass knuckles are legal, and freely sold to people of legal
age, but carrying them is forbidden.
The French term is "poing américain", which literally means "American fist".
In Sweden, brass knuckles are legal to purchase and own, but are not legal to sell or carry
in public.
The carrying of brass knuckles carry the same penalty as carrying a knife, and falls under
the same law.
They are called "knogjärn", literally "knuckle iron".
In Brazil, brass knuckles are legal and freely sold.
They are called "Soco Inglês," which means "English Punch."
In Russia, brass knuckles are illegal according to Federal Law "On Weapons" §6.
They are called "кастет", from French "casse-tête", which means "head-breaker".
Brass knuckles are illegal in the United Kingdom, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Croatia,
Germany, Belgium, Bosnia and the Netherlands, carrying significant jail sentences and fines
for possession of a dangerous weapon.
In the United States, brass knuckles are not significantly regulated at the federal level,
but various state, county and city laws prohibit their purchase and/or possession.
Some state laws require purchasers to be 18 or older.
Most states have statutes regulating the carrying of weapons, and many specifically prohibit
brass knuckles or "metal knuckles."
Where they are legal, brass knuckles can normally be purchased online or at flea markets, swap
meets, and at some sword and weapon shops.
Some companies manufacture belt buckles or novelty paper weights that function as brass
knuckles and are sold "for entertainment purposes only," a dubious legal standing.
Brass knuckles made of hardened plastic, rather than metal, have been marketed as "undetectable
by airport metal detectors."
A number of states that ban brass knuckles also ban plastic knuckles.
New York's criminal law statutes list both "metal knuckles" and "plastic knuckles" as
prohibited weapons, but provide no definition for either.
Texas does not differentiate with regard to composition materials, making the possession
of "knuckles" a Class A misdemeanor.
Specifically, Texas makes it an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture,
transport, repair, or sell prohibited weapons.
See also Cestus
Mark I trench knife Tekko
Weighted-knuckle gloves References