Sometimes called “brass knuckles, knucks, brass knucks, knucklebusters. Knuckle dusters, an English punch or a classic”, knuckles were weapons used in hand-to-hand combat. The extended and rounded palm grip also spreads across the attacker’s palm to distribute the counter-force that would otherwise be absorbed primarily by the attacker’s fingers, reducing the likelihood of damage to the attacker’s fingers. Metal knuckles like these were used in the 1st and 2nd World wars in hand-to-hand combat.
Brass Knuckles: The Early Years, the history of these knuckles dates back to the beginning of human civilization. They were a common weapon in medieval Europe, used by knights and peasants alike. These weapons have varied greatly over time, with the most recent being the knuckle duster that was introduced in 1885 by Al Capone.
Legality and distribution: In Canada, brass knuckles, 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.