Knuckles - The Facts

What are Knuckles?

Knuckles, commonly known as 'brass knuckles' or 'duster knuckles,' are metal guards placed over your knuckles for the purposes of combat. Most ‘brass’ knuckles aren’t brass, but usually made of aluminum, steel, or other hard plastics. Damage from knuckles can be severe. Broken bones, lacerations, and concussions can all result if struck with knuckles.

Our body is our original and last line of defense, and anything we can do to make our hands and feet more-effective defense tools could be the difference between escape and devastation.

Knuckles marketed towards women are sometimes shaped like cats, adding a pointed element which can increase the damage of each jab.

The Law

California, Washington, New York, Michigan, Illinois, and Vermont prohibit possessing, selling, or using knuckles. South Carolina and Georgia, make possession of brass knuckles illegal only if someone uses them intending to commit a crime. You need a permit in Florida, Oregon, and Alabama if you wish to keep them concealed. In Arizona and Texas, it's not illegal to carry or use knuckles. However, if you use them to commit a crime, your brass knuckles will be treated as a deadly weapon. Possessing knuckles is usually only penalized as a misdemeanor charge. However, in states where it's against the law to have them, using knuckles in a violent crime can lead to felony charges.

How to use Knuckles

The safest way of wearing and using this tool is very simple. Put on the knuckles and insert the fingers in the designated holes. Don’t substitute or skip the holes. Curl the fingers in the palm. Lastly, keep your thumb atop the fingers. This method is sure to provide you with an excellent and forcible strike.

Practice makes perfect. Spend plenty of time at home wearing the knuckles. This will help you feel more comfortable. Practice the strikes and punches on a punching bag or a stuffed pillow. This will also improve concentration, speed, stamina, and energy.

Experts suggest using the index and middle fingers to direct most attacks and exert extra power. These two digits are the hardest to break. Therefore, utilize them to aim for the opponent. You must understand where to direct the attack. Face, stomach, solar plexus, neck, and small of the back are easy targets. Blows on these parts of the body fluster the adversary. However, be careful while using excessive force as uncontrolled blows may kill the opponent as well.

When are Knuckles Most Effective?

Knuckles are best used when already deployed. Fumbling about in your purse to find this tool will not serve you. When you get a knuckle, wear it, or simply keep it in your pocket whenever you are going to be in a vulnerable position.

Pros

• Usually non-lethal

• Easily concealed in the palm of your hand

• Relatively easy to use, and does not require years of training

• Makes a "weak" defender strong

• Can help to protect your knuckles from impact
  

Cons

• Illegal in some states

• Does not guarantee victory

• Can injure your fingers

• The knuckles' punch might be deadly, use it to aid in escape, not triumph

• Using knuckles has legal ramifications. Keep in mind that you may be called upon to justify your actions

As with all self-defense tools - do not use without a full, well-rounded understanding of how it works and when to use it; and practice in a safe, controlled environment often. Otherwise, you are a greater danger to yourself and others. Always be aware and compliant with your state/region’s laws and regulations regarding any self defense tools.

Are knuckles the right tool for you?

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References

• Valiente Mott

• Knife Import

• Swords Swords

• Wholesale Blades - Brass Knuckles: Counting the Benefits and Drawbacks
  

• Find Law - Are Brass Knuckles Illegal?