Washington State takes brass knuckles seriously. More seriously than most people expect.
A lot of folks assume you can buy them as a novelty or keep them at home for self-defense. In Washington, that assumption can land you in court. Knowing the law before you act could save you from a criminal record.
What Are Brass Knuckles?
Brass knuckles are metal (or hard plastic) devices that fit over your fingers. When you punch something while wearing them, the force gets concentrated and hits harder. They go by a few names: knuckle dusters, metal knuckles, knucks.
Washington law calls them “metal knuckles.” That term matters. The law does not just cover the shiny brass ones you see in movies. It covers any similar device made of any material. Pretty much anything designed to do the same job is treated the same way under the law.
Are Brass Knuckles Illegal in Washington?
Yes. Completely.
Washington State bans brass knuckles under RCW 9.41.250. This is the state’s dangerous weapons law. It lists metal knuckles right alongside slingshots and switchblades.
Here is what is illegal in Washington. You cannot possess brass knuckles. You cannot manufacture them. You cannot sell them. You cannot give them away. All of those actions are crimes under the same law. Sound strict? It is. Washington does not make exceptions based on what you planned to do with them.
The Law Says “Possession” Means All of It
Okay, this part is important.
Some states only care about carrying brass knuckles in public. Washington goes further. Just having them in your home is illegal. Buying them online and having them shipped to your house is illegal. Keeping an antique pair in a display case is illegal.
You are not alone if this surprises you. Most people assume “possession” means carrying them around. In Washington, it means owning them at all.
What About Plastic or Other Materials?
Wondering if a plastic version is legal? It is not.
Washington courts and law enforcement look at the function of the object, not just the material it is made from. If it fits over your knuckles and is designed to increase punch force, it falls under the same rules. Trying to get around the law by using different materials is still a violation.
Penalties You Could Face
Let’s talk about what happens if you get caught.
Washington classifies brass knuckle violations as a gross misdemeanor under RCW 9.41.250. Think of it like a step above a regular traffic ticket, but way more serious. A gross misdemeanor is a real criminal charge that goes on your record.
If you are convicted, you could face up to 364 days in jail. You could also face fines up to $5,000. That is for simple possession. Manufacturing or selling brass knuckles can bring additional charges on top of that. The penalties apply whether you used the weapon or not.
What If You Used Them in a Crime?
Here is where it gets even more serious.
If you used brass knuckles during a fight or assault, prosecutors do not just charge you for the weapon. They can charge you with assault with a deadly weapon. That is a felony. Felonies carry years in prison, not just months. They also affect your right to own firearms and other rights long after you serve any sentence.
Think of it this way. Getting caught with brass knuckles in your car is bad. Using them in an altercation is in a completely different category of legal trouble.
Schools and Public Buildings Make It Worse
Hold on, this part matters if you are near schools.
Washington’s RCW 9.41.280 makes it a separate gross misdemeanor to bring any dangerous weapon onto school property. That includes brass knuckles. So if you have them near a school, you could face two separate charges at the same time. Two separate fines. Two separate entries on your record.
The same principle applies to other restricted areas like courthouses and government buildings. Location matters a lot under Washington law.
No Exceptions for Collectors or Antiques
Many people ask about this one. A friend asked me about it last week, actually. They had inherited an old pair from a relative and wanted to know if vintage items were okay to keep. They are not.
Washington’s law does not carve out an exception for antiques, collectibles, or historical items. If it looks like brass knuckles and functions like brass knuckles, it is illegal to possess regardless of its age or sentimental value. The safest thing to do with inherited brass knuckles is to turn them over to local law enforcement.
Honestly, this is the part most people are not prepared for. The law does not care why you have them.
What About Buying Them Online?
This one trips people up all the time.
Sellers in other states may legally ship brass knuckles. But the moment they arrive at a Washington address, possession begins. You would be breaking the law the moment the package lands on your doorstep. The fact that a seller in another state listed them legally does not protect you.
Federal law does not ban brass knuckles nationwide. But Washington state law applies to everyone within Washington, regardless of where the item came from.
Is There a Self-Defense Exception?
No. There is not.
Washington does not allow brass knuckles for self-defense purposes. The state offers other legal options for self-defense, including pepper spray for personal protection. But brass knuckles are simply off the table, no matter your reason for having them.
Basically, “I bought them to protect myself” is not a legal defense in a Washington courtroom.
What You Should Do If You Already Have Them
If you currently have brass knuckles in Washington, you have a problem. Doing nothing is not a good option. The longer you hold onto them, the longer you are technically committing a crime.
You can surrender them to local law enforcement. Most police departments accept surrendered illegal weapons without pressing charges for the act of turning them in. Call your local police non-emergency line first and ask about their process. Do not assume anything. Ask before you show up.
You should also talk to a criminal defense attorney if you are worried about past possession. An attorney can tell you what your specific situation looks like under the law.
How to Stay Out of Trouble
Pretty straightforward. Do not buy them. Do not accept them as gifts. Do not order them online. If you see them for sale at a local shop or market, know that the seller may be breaking the law too.
If you want a legal self-defense tool, look into pepper spray, a personal alarm, or a legal folding knife. Washington has specific rules about knives too, but those options exist legally.
Stay away from anything marketed as “knuckle dusters,” “metal knuckles,” or similar products. Even if a website says they are for “novelty use only,” possessing them in Washington is still illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are brass knuckles legal in Washington if I only keep them at home?
No. Washington law bans possession everywhere, including inside your home. There is no home-use exception.
What is a gross misdemeanor in Washington?
It is a criminal charge that can result in up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000. It goes on your permanent criminal record.
Can I bring brass knuckles through Washington if I am just passing through?
No. State law applies to anyone within Washington’s borders, including travelers passing through.
Are plastic knuckles legal in Washington?
No. Function determines legality, not material. Plastic versions designed to fit over knuckles are treated the same as metal ones.
What if I buy brass knuckles in another state where they are legal?
They become illegal the moment you bring them into Washington. Purchasing them legally elsewhere does not protect you once you cross into Washington.
Can I sell brass knuckles at a flea market or online to Washington buyers?
No. Selling or distributing brass knuckles in Washington is illegal under the same law that bans possession.
Final Thoughts
Washington is one of many states with a complete ban on brass knuckles. The law is clear, the penalties are real, and there are no exceptions for good intentions.
Now you know exactly where Washington stands. If you have questions about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney in Washington. When it comes to weapons laws, it is always better to ask first than to find out the hard way.
References
- RCW 9.41.250 – Dangerous Weapons Penalty (Washington State Legislature)
- RCW 9.41.280 – Dangerous Weapons on School Property (Washington State Legislature)
- Washington State Dangerous Weapons Overview – Feldman & Lee PS
- Washington Weapons Charges – My Washington Defense Lawyer
- Brass Knuckles Legality by State 2026 – World Population Review
