Brass Knuckles

Brass knuckles (also referred to as brass knucks, knuckledusters, iron fists, and paperweights, among other names) are melee weapons primarily used in hand-to-hand combat . They are designed to be worn around the knuckles of the human hand. Despite their name, they are not exclusively made from brass ; modern versions are often constructed from materials such as steel , aluminium , plastics, or carbon fibers.

Design and Function

Brass knuckles are engineered to preserve and concentrate the force of a punch by directing it toward a harder and smaller contact area. This design results in increased tissue disruption , including a higher likelihood of fracturing the intended target’s bones on impact. The extended and rounded palm grip also spreads the counter-force across the attacker’s palm, which would otherwise be absorbed primarily by the attacker’s fingers. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the attacker’s fingers.

History and Variations

Early Use and Development

During the 19th century, brass knuckles were made from various materials including cast iron , brass, lead , and wood in the United States during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Soldiers would often purchase 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.

Variations and Enhancements

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.”

Integration with Firearms

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. 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. It was advised not to polish brass knuckles as allowing the brass to darken would act as camouflage on the battlefield.

World War II and Beyond

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 , issued to Argentinian paratroopers . Current-issue models have an emergency blade in the cross guard.

Legality and Distribution

Global Legality

Brass knuckles are illegal in several regions, including: Italy , Hong Kong , Austria , Belgium , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Canada , Denmark , Croatia , Cyprus , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iran , Israel , Ireland , Malaysia , the Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Russia , Spain , Turkey , Sweden , Singapore , Taiwan , Ukraine , the United Arab Emirates , and the United Kingdom .

Regional Specifics

In Australia , the import of brass knuckles 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. They are prohibited weapons in the state of New South Wales .

In Brazil , brass knuckles are legal and freely sold. They are called soco inglês, which means ‘English punch’, or soqueira, which means ‘puncher’.

In Canada , brass knuckles (Canadian French poing américain, which literally means ‘American fist’), or any similar devices made of metal, are listed as prohibited weapons; possession of such weapon is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code . Plastic knuckles have been determined to be legal in Canada.

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. The French term is coup-de-poing américain, which literally means ‘American punch’.

In Russia , brass knuckles were illegal to purchase or own during Imperial times and are still forbidden according to Article 6 of the 1996 Federal Law on Weapons. They are called кастет (from French casse-tête, literally ‘head breaker’).

In Serbia , 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 боксер, literally ‘boxer’.

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.

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”, 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.

In the United States , brass knuckles are not prohibited at the federal level, but various state , county and city laws, and the District of Columbia, regulate or prohibit their purchase and/or possession. As of 2025, brass knuckles are prohibited in 20 states. 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. Brass knuckles made of plastic, rather than metal, have been marketed as “undetectable by airport metal detectors”. 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.