Brass Knuckles Laws in Tennessee

The rules on brass knuckles in Tennessee: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: Tennessee's prohibited-weapons law makes it an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell knuckles. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(a), (b), (c) (secondary source: public copy of the state code; check the official code)

Brass knuckles	Tennessee's prohibited-weapons law makes it an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell knuckles. Defenses include conduct tied to official duties, licensed weapons dealers and manufacturers, dramatic performances, scientific research and museum displays; it is also an affirmative defense if the person proves the item was kept only as a curio, ornament or keepsake, or was possessed briefly after finding it or taking it from an aggressor. Read on codes.findlaw.com (a public copy of the official code); check against the official code. Mirror page states it is current as of January 2, 2024. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(a), (b), (c) (secondary source: public copy of the state code; check the official code)

Brass knuckles

Tennessee's prohibited-weapons law makes it an offense to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell knuckles. Defenses include conduct tied to official duties, licensed weapons dealers and manufacturers, dramatic performances, scientific research and museum displays; it is also an affirmative defense if the person proves the item was kept only as a curio, ornament or keepsake, or was possessed briefly after finding it or taking it from an aggressor.

Read on codes.findlaw.com (a public copy of the official code); check against the official code. Mirror page states it is current as of January 2, 2024.

Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(a), (b), (c) (secondary source: public copy of the state code; check the official code)

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FAQ

Are brass knuckles illegal in Tennessee?

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.