Brass

[freedomfanatic]

So who's into brass knuckles? I bought a set that belonged to a Chicago police officer in the 19teens, before they were issued guns. Really nice weight and almost a perfect fit, I'll find a camera and post a picture. Unfortunately, the men and women who call themselves "the government" say I can't carry this piece of history in public for self-defense.

[glistam]

I've always felt weighted-knuckled gloves (which used powdered metal instead of hard) were far better alternatives. Perhaps it's just my perception, but the hard metal knuckles seemed rather brutish because they are intended maim and kill, rather than subdue. Than and they seem like a quick way to several broken metacarpus.

The weighted gloves protect your hand more than anything. Punching people in the head bare-handed hurts the puncher too.

[Aka Zero]

Weighted gloves are pretty fun. But unless you wear them all the time.... Not really that great in a pocket.

[gallo]

A bandana wrapped around the hand goes a long way in protecting the knuckles and solidifying the fist.

A double A battery clenched also works good.

[glistam]

But unless you wear them all the time.... Not really that great in a pocket.

True, though one could almost say the same of hard knuckles.
Weighted-knuckle gloves are by no means my only or primary weapon, just one tool in the box (No CCW in MD, you see). I like them in winter time when outdoors, when I need gloves anyway. But they go into storage in warmer times. I originally bought them when I was a store detective and had the benefit of preparation before making an arrest.

[kingpin008]

Wait, sap gloves are legal in MD? I thought they were treated the same as plain ol' knucks!

Please link me to the relevant law, when you have a second - if you're indeed correct, I need to make a purchase soon!

[theotherwaldo]

I hate brass knuckles. I tried 'em once. Shattered the third time that I hit the heavy bag.

I've still got the scars. And my middle finger aches when the weather changes.

[freedomfanatic]

Well, that's the problem with the knuckles as opposed to the sap gloves, they have to be specificly made and fitted to your hand or its going to do damage to both parties. with a custom one-off set your knuckles should (almost) never get hurt. but like i said these things are a perfect fit. still trying to find a digital camera to post pics.

[glistam]

Title 4-101 of the MD Criminal Code covers non-firearm weapons. There is no explicit law in Maryland that declares weighted gloves legal or illegal, because it could go back and forth and there are a lot of unknowns.

In 4-101 metal knuckles are mentioned as weapons, but it has no definition like for example California has. Generally speaking weighted gloves fall outside the definition of hard metal knuckles because of how they work. However, 4-101 also contains the vague (some might say unconstitutionally so) phrase "carry a dangerous weapon" which could be applied to any purpose-built weapon. Double However, all weapons under this statute are only illegal if concealed. On your hands is not concealed. This is what allowed me to legally carry these gloves as well as my baton when I was a uniformed guard.

In addition, the law contains a special exception for one to carry a non-firearm weapon concealed "as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger." This is defense to raise in court and subject to judicial discretion; it does not make the carrier immune from arrest.

[zignal_zero]

i found this tiny, crappy pic online. it is the one i carry. not really "brass knuckles" but along the same lines

https://www.brassknucklescompany.com...ottleSMALL.jpg

[Speedo66]

Originally Posted by zignal_zero

i found this tiny, crappy pic online. it is the one i carry. not really "brass knuckles" but along the same lines

https://www.brassknucklescompany.com...ottleSMALL.jpg

So why are you carrying Batman in your pocket?

I remember seeing ads for belt buckles in the shape of brass knuckles, but who knows what the quality was. Probably just plated pot metal.

In 40 years as a peace officer I never came across one.

Plenty of home made saps, but never brass knuckles.

[kingpin008]

Glistam - good to know, thanks for the breakdown! I'll read over the statute myself a few times, but it seems like you've got it pretty well deciphered.

[zignal_zero]

So why are you carrying Batman in your pocket?

I remember seeing ads for belt buckles in the shape of brass knuckles, but who knows what the quality was. Probably just plated pot metal.

In 40 years as a peace officer I never came across one.

Plenty of home made saps, but never brass knuckles.

wow, you're right, it does kinda look like the Bat Symbol. that's funny. really? in 40 yrs, you never confiscated any? i seized my first set about 4 years in. however, now that u make me think about it, those were the last ones i ever found on anyone.

i like the one i carry because it's extremely flat, very small, and light. i'm right-handed, so i carry it where i can access it with my left. it just adds a little to my jab.

[Gunfighter123]

I hate brass knuckles. I tried 'em once. Shattered the third time that I hit the heavy bag.

I would say those were NOT brass knuckles --- there are tons of very cheap "pot metal" ones plated or painted to look like brass. I have two pairs of real brass ones and they are HEAVY. I also have quite a few other "knuckles" made from plastic/nylon , aluminum , and "pot metal" ------- the old brass ones I have WILL NOT break -- in my younger and dumber days , I would smash cinder-blocks with just one punch of them.

After the first time I did it --- I learned to wear a slim pair of leather gloves and slip the knuckles over them !!!

EDIT --- I also have a custom made set , without any "palm bar" ---- I first put on a pair of small cotton "stretch" gloves , the knuckles over them , and then a pair of leather dress gloves. You can still drive or grasp things with them on and they make me feel better when I have to be in Chicago after dark.

[AcceptableUserName]

A lot of this stuff will get your hands, knuckles and wrists broken quite nicely. After all, I was a teenager once.

[InkEd]

I have pair of stainless steel ones the don't fit perfect. They can do alot of damage though to inanimate objects that I've hit with them. It's best to wear a pair of leather gloves under them.