Are Brass Knuckles Legal in Ohio? (2026 Concealed Carry Rules)

There is no Ohio law that bans owning or openly carrying brass knuckles, and the current Ohio Revised Code does not name them. The limits come from the general definition of "deadly weapon" in R.C. 2923.11(A): if a set meets it, carrying the knuckles concealed is carrying concealed weapons under R.C. 2923.12(A)(1), a misdemeanor of the first degree, and having them in a school safety zone or a courthouse is a felony. For how other states treat the same item, see our guide to brass knuckles laws by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-08. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers the Ohio Revised Code as it applies to brass knuckles: the deadly weapon definition in 2923.11, carrying concealed weapons in 2923.12 and permitless handgun carry in 2923.111, school safety zones in 2923.122, courthouses in 2923.123, detention facilities in 2921.36 and 2923.131, weapons under disability in 2923.13, robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and felonious assault, school expulsion and permanent exclusion in 3313.66, 3313.661 and 3313.662, preemption in 9.68, and the sentence and fine limits in Chapter 2929. It does not cover city or village ordinances, court decisions applying these sections to knuckles, probation or supervision conditions, federal law or property (apart from the federal firearms consequence of a felony conviction), or the law of other states.

Are brass knuckles legal in Ohio?

Owning knuckles is not a crime under any Ohio statute. The Revised Code has no section that bans possessing, buying, selling or openly carrying brass knuckles by an adult who is not otherwise prohibited, and it sets no minimum age for them. The restrictions are about how and where they are carried, and they apply only if a set qualifies as a deadly weapon.

The sale side changed in 2021. Until Senate Bill 140 of the 133rd General Assembly took effect on April 12, 2021, R.C. 2923.20(A)(6) made it a misdemeanor of the second degree to "manufacture, possess for sale, sell, or furnish to any person other than a law enforcement agency for authorized use in police work, any brass knuckles, cestus, billy, blackjack, sandbag, switchblade knife, springblade knife, gravity knife, or similar weapon"; the current version of 2923.20 no longer contains that division, so older sources describing an Ohio sale ban are out of date.

Each row that names a statute applies only if the knuckles are a deadly weapon under 2923.11(A).

Are brass knuckles a deadly weapon in Ohio?

The current Revised Code does not use the word "knuckles," so it does not classify them directly. Everything turns on the general definition in R.C. 2923.11(A), which governs sections 2923.11 to 2923.24:

"(A) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon." R.C. 2923.11(A)

The definition has two parts, and both must be met. The item must be capable of inflicting death. It must also either be designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or be possessed, carried or used as a weapon. The statute does not apply that test to knuckles itself, and no court decision applying it to knuckles is discussed on this page, so whether a particular set qualifies is a question for the court in each case. The rest of this page describes what follows if a set does qualify.

Other sections borrow the same definition, including robbery in 2911.02, aggravated burglary in 2911.11 and felonious assault in 2903.11.

Plastic knuckles and knuckle knives

Because current Ohio statutes do not name knuckles, the material makes no difference to the statutory text: a plastic set is measured against the same 2923.11(A) test as a metal one. Knuckle knives raise one more question. Section 2923.12(H) provides that, for purposes of the concealed carry section, "'deadly weapon' or 'weapon' does not include any knife, razor, or cutting instrument if the instrument was not used as a weapon." The statute does not say whether a combination knuckle knife is treated as a knife under that division or as knuckles. For blades generally, see our guide to Ohio knife laws.

Carrying brass knuckles concealed

Ohio's concealed carry statute reaches more than guns. R.C. 2923.12(A) provides:

"No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on the person's person or concealed ready at hand, any of the following: (1) A deadly weapon other than a handgun; (2) A handgun other than a dangerous ordnance; (3) A dangerous ordnance." R.C. 2923.12(A)

Knuckles that qualify as a deadly weapon fall under division (A)(1). The words "concealed ready at hand" reach a weapon hidden within reach, not only one carried on the body.

Penalties for concealed carry

Section 2923.12(F)(1) sets the grade:

"Whoever violates this section is guilty of carrying concealed weapons. Except as otherwise provided in this division or divisions (F)(2), (6), and (7) of this section, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (A) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Except as otherwise provided in this division or divisions (F)(2), (6), and (7) of this section, if the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of this section or of any offense of violence, if the weapon involved is a firearm that is either loaded or for which the offender has ammunition ready at hand, or if the weapon involved is dangerous ordnance, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (A) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree. Except as otherwise provided in divisions (F)(2) and (6) of this section, if the offense is committed aboard an aircraft, or with purpose to carry a concealed weapon aboard an aircraft, regardless of the weapon involved, carrying concealed weapons in violation of division (A) of this section is a felony of the third degree." R.C. 2923.12(F)(1)

For knuckles, the loaded-firearm and dangerous-ordnance triggers do not apply. That leaves three tiers: a misdemeanor of the first degree; a felony of the fourth degree after a prior conviction under 2923.12 or for any offense of violence; and a felony of the third degree aboard an aircraft or with purpose to carry a concealed weapon aboard one.

The affirmative defense

Section 2923.12(D) is the main protection for a person carrying concealed knuckles. It is an affirmative defense, raised in response to a charge, and it is available only if the actor "was not otherwise prohibited by law from having the weapon" and one of three situations applies:

"(1) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in or was going to or from the actor's lawful business or occupation, which business or occupation was of a character or was necessarily carried on in a manner or at a time or place as to render the actor particularly susceptible to criminal attack, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed. (2) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for defensive purposes while the actor was engaged in a lawful activity and had reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack upon the actor, a member of the actor's family, or the actor's home, such as would justify a prudent person in going armed. (3) The weapon was carried or kept ready at hand by the actor for any lawful purpose and while in the actor's own home." R.C. 2923.12(D)

The first two grounds require defensive purposes plus either a risky occupation or reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack, each measured by what "would justify a prudent person in going armed." The text does not list a general wish to carry a weapon for protection as a ground.

Permitless carry and concealed handgun licences do not cover knuckles

Ohio's 2022 permitless carry law covers handguns only. R.C. 2923.111(B)(1) provides that a qualifying adult "shall not be required to obtain a concealed handgun license in order to carry in this state ... a concealed handgun that is not a restricted firearm." The licence exception in 2923.12(C)(2) applies only to division (A)(2), which is the handgun division. Neither touches division (A)(1), so neither authorizes carrying concealed knuckles.

Brass knuckles in a car

Section 2923.12(C)(1)(c) exempts a person's transportation or storage of a firearm in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose if it is not on the actor's person, and (C)(1)(d) exempts storage or possession of a firearm in the actor's own home. Both are limited to firearms. Knuckles concealed within reach in a vehicle are therefore measured under 2923.12(A)(1), with only the (D) defense available.

Schools and school buses

R.C. 2923.122 applies to any deadly weapon, concealed or not:

"(A) No person shall knowingly convey, or attempt to convey, a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a school safety zone. (B) No person shall knowingly possess a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone." R.C. 2923.122(A), (B)

A "school safety zone" "consists of a school, school building, school premises, school activity, and school bus" (R.C. 2901.01). A violation is a felony of the fifth degree, or a felony of the fourth degree if the offender has a prior conviction under the same section (2923.122(E)(1)). If the offender has not reached 19 years of age, the court "shall impose" a class four suspension of the offender's driver's licence or permit, in addition to any other penalty and subject to division (F)(2) (2923.122(F)(1)). For this purpose, 2901.01 gives "school" the meaning in R.C. 2925.01: a school operated by a board of education, a community school established under Chapter 3314, or a nonpublic school for which the director of education and workforce prescribes minimum standards under section 3301.07. Colleges and universities are not on that list, so a college campus is not a school safety zone under that definition, although the concealed carry rule applies there as it does anywhere else.

School expulsion

Ohio's expulsion statute does not name knuckles. Under R.C. 3313.66(B)(2)(a), the superintendent "shall expel a pupil from school for a period of one year for bringing a firearm" to school, unless the pupil is permanently excluded. Under (B)(3), a district board "may adopt a resolution authorizing the superintendent" to expel a pupil for up to one year "for bringing a knife capable of causing serious bodily injury." The mandatory rule covers firearms and the discretionary rule covers knives, so neither applies to knuckles by its terms. That does not mean knuckles carry no school consequence. Under 3313.66(B)(1), a superintendent may expel a pupil for up to the greater of 80 school days or the number of school days remaining in the semester or term, and each district board must adopt a policy that "specifies the types of misconduct for which a pupil may be suspended, expelled, or removed" (R.C. 3313.661(A)).

The most serious consequence is permanent exclusion. If a pupil aged 16 or older is convicted of, or adjudicated a delinquent child for, a violation of 2923.122, or a violation of 2923.12 committed on property owned or controlled by, or at an activity held under the auspices of, a city, local, exempted village or joint vocational school district board, the director of education and workforce may issue an order that "permanently excludes a pupil from attending any of the public schools of this state" (R.C. 3313.662(A)).

Courthouses

R.C. 2923.123 bars knowingly conveying, or attempting to convey, a deadly weapon "into a courthouse or into another building or structure in which a courtroom is located," and bars knowingly possessing or having one under the person's control there. Illegal conveyance is a felony of the fifth degree, or of the fourth degree if the offender was previously convicted of a violation of division (A) or (B). Illegal possession or control is a felony of the fifth degree, except as the section otherwise provides (2923.123(D)).

Prisons, jails and detention facilities

R.C. 2921.36(A)(1) bars knowingly conveying, or attempting to convey, "any deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance" onto the grounds of a detention facility or of an institution, office building or other place under the control of the departments of mental health and addiction services, developmental disabilities, youth services, or rehabilitation and correction. A violation is illegal conveyance of weapons onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility, a felony of the third degree (2921.36(G)(1)).

Section 2921.36(F)(1) gives an affirmative defense if "the weapon or dangerous ordnance in question was being transported in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose, that it was not on the actor's person," plus additional conditions that apply only to firearms.

A person who is already under detention faces a separate rule: R.C. 2923.131(B) provides that "No person under detention at a detention facility shall possess a deadly weapon." The grade is set in 2923.131(C).

Prior convictions and weapons under disability

Ohio's weapons-under-disability statute does not reach knuckles. R.C. 2923.13(A) bars certain people, including those under indictment for or convicted of a felony offense of violence or a drug felony, from knowingly acquiring, having, carrying or using "any firearm or dangerous ordnance." "Dangerous ordnance" is defined in 2923.11(K) by a list that starts with automatic or sawed-off firearms, zip-guns, ballistic knives and explosive or incendiary devices; knuckles are not on it.

A prior record still matters in two ways. A prior conviction under 2923.12 or for any offense of violence raises concealed carry from a misdemeanor to a felony of the fourth degree, and the 2923.12(D) defense requires that the actor was "not otherwise prohibited by law from having the weapon."

Federal law adds a consequence in the other direction. 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) makes it unlawful for a person convicted of "a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" to possess a firearm or ammunition in or affecting commerce. A felony of the fourth degree (up to 18 months) or the third degree (up to 36 months) meets that threshold, which covers felony concealed carry, a repeat school or courthouse offense, and conveying a deadly weapon onto the grounds of a detention facility. A first school or courthouse offense is a felony of the fifth degree, whose definite term is 6 to 12 months.

Knuckles used in other crimes

If knuckles are a deadly weapon, they can raise the grade of other offenses. Each of these turns on the 2923.11(A) definition:

Penalty ranges

The offense grades above carry these statutory limits:

Minors

No Ohio statute sets a minimum age for owning knuckles. R.C. 2923.21 restricts selling or furnishing firearms and handguns to minors and does not reach knuckles. Minors are subject to the same concealed carry rule as adults, and the school safety zone statute adds the licence suspension for offenders under 19.

Bars

Ohio's rule for premises with a D liquor permit, R.C. 2923.121, provides that "No person shall possess a firearm in any room in which any person is consuming beer or intoxicating liquor in a premises for which a D permit has been issued under Chapter 4303. of the Revised Code or in an open air arena for which a permit of that nature has been issued." It is limited to firearms and does not reach knuckles.

City and village rules

R.C. 9.68 makes the regulation of "firearms, their components, and their ammunition, and knives" a matter of uniform statewide law, which limits local ordinances on those items. It does not mention knuckles, so on its face it does not stop a city or village from regulating them. This page does not cover any local ordinance. Check your city or village code, or call your police department's non-emergency line.

Self-defense alternatives under Ohio law

The rules for sprays and stun devices are in our guide to Ohio pepper spray and stun gun laws, and the rules on when force may be used at all are in Ohio self-defense laws.

Related pages

• Brass knuckles laws by state
• Ohio knife laws
• Ohio pepper spray and stun gun laws
• Ohio self-defense laws
• Pennsylvania brass knuckles laws
• Michigan brass knuckles laws

This article provides general legal information about Ohio law, not legal advice. Weapons laws change and local rules vary. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Ohio or your local law enforcement agency.

Last updated: 2026-10-08.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are brass knuckles legal in Ohio?

No Ohio statute bans owning, buying, selling or openly carrying brass knuckles, and the current Revised Code does not name them. If a set meets the deadly weapon definition in R.C. 2923.11(A), carrying it concealed is a first-degree misdemeanor under 2923.12(A)(1), and having it in a school safety zone or courthouse is a fifth-degree felony.

Can I carry brass knuckles in my pocket in Ohio?

R.C. 2923.12(A)(1) bars knowingly carrying a deadly weapon other than a handgun concealed on the person or concealed ready at hand. That applies to knuckles that meet the deadly weapon definition in 2923.11(A). A defendant may raise the affirmative defense in 2923.12(D), for example carrying for defensive purposes with reasonable cause to fear a criminal attack.

Does Ohio constitutional carry cover brass knuckles?

No. R.C. 2923.111 lets a qualifying adult carry a concealed handgun that is not a restricted firearm without a licence, and the licence exception in 2923.12(C)(2) applies only to handguns. Neither covers knuckles.

Can I keep brass knuckles in my car in Ohio?

The concealed carry statute reaches a deadly weapon concealed ready at hand, not only on the body, and the motor vehicle exemption in 2923.12(C)(1)(c) is limited to firearms. Knuckles that qualify as a deadly weapon and are hidden within reach in a car are therefore measured under the concealed carry rule.

What is the penalty for carrying brass knuckles in Ohio?

If the knuckles are a deadly weapon, carrying them concealed is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail (R.C. 2929.24) and a fine of up to $1,000 (R.C. 2929.28). It becomes a fourth-degree felony with a prior conviction under 2923.12 or for any offense of violence, and a third-degree felony aboard an aircraft.

Can a felon own brass knuckles in Ohio?

R.C. 2923.13, having weapons while under disability, covers only firearms and dangerous ordnance, and the Revised Code does not list knuckles as dangerous ordnance. The concealed carry, school, courthouse and detention rules still apply to everyone.

Are brass knuckles a deadly weapon in Ohio?

The Revised Code does not say so expressly. R.C. 2923.11(A) defines a deadly weapon as an item capable of inflicting death that is designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon, and whether a particular set meets that test is a question for the court.

Can I bring brass knuckles to school in Ohio?

If knuckles are a deadly weapon, knowingly conveying them into or possessing them in a school safety zone, which includes a school building, school premises, school activity and school bus, is a fifth-degree felony under R.C. 2923.122. An offender under 19 also faces a driver's licence suspension, and a pupil aged 16 or older who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent for that offense can be permanently excluded from Ohio public schools under R.C. 3313.662.