Last updated February 28, 2026
Introduction
Brass knuckles, those formidable pieces of metal engineered to fit around the knuckles, have been used in hand-to-hand combat for centuries. While many countries worldwide have outright banned their possession and use, the United States lacks a federal regulation. This has resulted in diverse policies across states, with some permitting ownership and others banning them outright.
- There's a distinct divide concerning brass knuckle legality across the U.S, with states either labeling them as 'Legal', 'Illegal', or 'With Permit'.
- No state ranks dominantly over others in terms of legality, indicating a lack of uniform consensus on the issue nationwide.
- Interestingly, a number of states opt for a middle ground, allowing ownership 'With Permit'. This includes prominent states such as North Dakota, Alabama, and North Carolina.
- Of all fifty states, the majority lean towards 'With Permit' status, indicating a tendency for regulation over a complete ban or unrestricted legality.
All Metrics
| Region ↕ | Brass Knuckles Legality 2023↕ | Self Defense Law 2025↕ | Open Carry Legality↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Legal | ||
| Hawaii | Legal | ||
| Missouri | Legal | ||
| Delaware | Illegal | ||
| New York | Illegal | ||
| New Jersey | Illegal | ||
| Mississippi | Permit Required | ||
| Wyoming | Legal | ||
| Alabama | Permit Required | ||
| Oklahoma | Illegal | ||
| Virginia | Illegal | ||
| Washington | Illegal | ||
| Nebraska | Permit Required | ||
| South Dakota | Legal | ||
| Utah | Legal | ||
| Nevada | Illegal | ||
| Indiana | Legal | ||
| Maine | Illegal | ||
| Maryland | Permit Required | ||
| Minnesota | Illegal | ||
| Kansas | Illegal | ||
| Alaska | Illegal | ||
| Pennsylvania | Illegal | ||
| Tennessee | Illegal | ||
| Florida | Permit Required | ||
| South Carolina | Legal | ||
| Colorado | Illegal | ||
| Louisiana | Permit Required | ||
| Oregon | Permit Required | ||
| Massachusetts | Illegal | ||
| District of Columbia | Illegal | ||
| Iowa | Illegal | ||
| Montana | Legal | ||
| Rhode Island | Illegal | ||
| North Dakota | Permit Required | ||
| Kentucky | Legal | ||
| Vermont | Illegal | ||
| North Carolina | Permit Required | ||
| Arizona | Legal | ||
| Connecticut | Illegal | ||
| Illinois | Illegal | ||
| Ohio | Legal | ||
| Arkansas | Illegal | ||
| Michigan | Illegal | ||
| West Virginia | Permit Required | ||
| New Mexico | Permit Required | ||
| Georgia | Legal | ||
| New Hampshire | Illegal | ||
| Wisconsin | Permit Required | ||
| California | Illegal | ||
| Idaho | Legal |
Sources & Notes
Brass Knuckles Legality
Legal status of brass knuckles possession and use.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal? A State By State Breakdown in 2023 December 14, 2023
Self Defense Law
Legal status and regulations governing the right to use force for self-protection.
Castle doctrine September 22, 2025







