[Azrael256]

I saw a set of brass knuckles the other day, and thought I might like to have them. I don't really plan on using something like that as a defensive tool (unless I absolutely have to), as there are better options, but... well, they're neato.

I assume that the law here would frown on me carrying them around in my pocket, but what's the word on keeping them on the desk here at home? I've been told that they're legal to carry (yeah, right!), that they're not legal to carry but legal to own, and that they're completely illegal. Obviously those answers get me nowhere. Anybody have an accurate, verifiable idea on this one?

[Soap]

I'm almost 100% positive that they are not illegal per Federal law but many states prohibit them. In Texas' case:

§ 46.05. PROHIBITED WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an
offense if he intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures,
transports, repairs, or sells:
(1) an explosive weapon;
(2) a machine gun;
(3) a short-barrel firearm;
(4) a firearm silencer;
(5) a switchblade knife;
(6) knuckles;
(7) armor-piercing ammunition;
(8) a chemical dispensing device; or
(9) a zip gun.

[joab]

Illegal to carry in Fla, but I don't know about possessing

[Azrael256]

BLAST!

*sigh* Well, there goes that idea. Thanks for the info.

[Double Naught Spy]

And I would not count on trying to pass them off as paperweights...

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77174&highlight=brass+knuckles+flea+market

Brass knuckles by any other name are still brass knuckles and if they are contraband where you are, then you may get to meet some nice guys in blue suits.

[wdlsguy]

I've been told that they're legal to carry (yeah, right!), that they're not legal to carry but legal to own, and that they're completely illegal.

Not seeing any defenses to prosecution that apply to mere citizens in PC § 46.05, I believe the correct answer is "they're completely illegal". :what:

[hso]

Not legal to possess in any capacity.

[Erich]

In New Mexico, they're specifically defined as "deadly weapons" under NMSA 1978, Section 30-1-12(B). Section 30-7-2 makes it a petty misdemeanor to carry them.

[osteodoc08]

I thought that Federal Laws were the be all and end all regarding rules. Don't Federal laws supercede local laws? Just curious.

[Ol' Badger]

Has anyone ever hit a person with BK's? They make me think it would hurt my hand too!

[hso]

No Fed Law on brass knuckles. All state and local.

[waterhouse]

Has anyone ever hit a person with BK's? They make me think it would hurt my hand too!

My roomate in college had some, and when I picked them up I thought the same thing. I lightly hit a punching bag once with them and I'm glad I did it lightly . . .it didn't feel very good. It felt like if I would have taken a full punch it would have messed up my hand. This set didn't fit my fingers very well. Perhaps they make better fitting ones, but since these were the only ones I've been around I'm not sure.

[joab]

If they are made properly the force of the impact will be on the palm of your hand not your fingers.

My dad had a pair of grandad's when I was a kid.
I wish I still had them, neat piece of history

Grandfather on the other side had sap gloves, that's what you need.

[Soap]

Sap gloves are grey-area knucks and are specifically prohibited in some places. I've hit a heavybag with knucks on before. They do start to hurt your palm after 10+ full force punches. But I don't know anyone would could take 10 solid, well-placed, shots from the knucks anyway.

[Sunray]

"... Federal Laws were the be all and end all regarding rules..." Most assuredly not. Every State has its own firearms/weapons laws. They're in addition to Federal law. Some municipalities have their own laws too and you must comply with all of them. This is why you see "It depends on where you are." in a lot of postings.
I suspect brass knuckles are illegal in most places because the powers-that-be consider them unfair. A fist fight is one thing, but add BK's and you've added a weapon. Defensive they ain't.
Up here, brass knuckles are considered to be the same as an SMG. Evil. You'd lose all your firearms and become a guest of the Queen just for having them. Nunchuks, morning stars, blow guns and shuriken are evil too. For no apparent reason. We suspect there were too many medieval, ninja pygmies holding up variety stores prior to 1978.
All of this foolishness, up here, is Federal. Here, all residual powers are Federal. In the U.S., residual powers go to the State. Didn't they teach you this stuff in 'Civic's' class?