Brass knuckles are a type of weapon made from sheet metal, usually brass, with finger-shaped projections that are riveted or welded onto the hand protection. They can be worn over or under the user’s regular gloves and have an array of shapes and sizes, for use in various tactical roles.
These knuckles were originally designed as a less-lethal weapon to be used defensively against an attacker where injury is not desired. However, they can still inflict significant injury when used properly in certain situations.
Other potential uses include breaking bone, digging trenches (with the muzzle pointed downwards), and breaking through glass/panes of glass/solamente windows.
Knuckles Come in Various Types
Knuckle dusters are small pieces of weapon-grade steel, usually from 2 to 4 ounces. They can be easily concealed in the hand and their small size makes them easy to use in close quarters. The knuckles can be flat or round and, depending on their design, can have either a single point or multiple projections intended for punching.
Body armor is usually worn when brass knuckles are used for self-defense against an assailant because the potential for common injury is greatly increased due to the usually small size of the weapons and the short-range capabilities inherent in self defense scenarios (hand-to-hand combat).
When the term “knuckles” is used, it usually refers to a type of weapon that is made from brass and usually formed into a fist in an effort to make it more effective as a defensive weapon. However, knuckles are not exclusively weapons. In some instances, they may also be used for medical purposes such as an orthodontic appliance.
Making Knuckles: Step-by-Step Process
· Cutting Copper Sheets
Construction of brass knuckles begins with taking a sheet of copper sheet approximately 4 inches by 1 inch and cutting out the desired shape (usually either one or two holes). The copper sheet will then be drawn into the desired shape using copper wire and then plated with nickel before being hardened in an oven at 900 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour.
· Hardening Process
After hardening, these knuckles may then be polished by tumbling them in rough grit sandpaper. This will help to clean up the edges, making them smooth and round. They are then ready to be plated with silver or gold. For this, a thick solution of silver or gold will be sprayed onto the knuckles and the excess solution will be wiped off with a wet cloth.
· Process of Spraying
The process of spraying on the solutions and wiping away excess material must be repeated until the desired thickness is achieved. The knuckle dusters are now ready for use as weapons or medical appliances.
Negative Uses of Knuckles:
A knuckle is a type of weapon characterized by its heavy weight. They are primarily made from metal, generally steel, and have a looped or curved handle to securely fit the hand. These weapons were also commonly used in duels that were fought without weapons of firearms or swords.
Negatively, brass knuckles can be used as offensive and defensive weapons against bare-handed opponents without warning since they are not easily seen in the dark or during an attack. There are many negative uses of knuckles, including assault weapons, “street” weapons, and more.
They can cause serious injury to the wearer’s hands after repeated use and can cause the elbows to break if used for too long. Many other negative aspects of using knuckles include: causing permanent damage to hands and causing permanent damage to elbow joints from “fist-fighting”. In addition, knuckle users will not have regular jobs due to being considered dangerous in nature.
Self Defense Weapons 