No, brass knuckles are illegal in Kentucky. Possession, manufacture, or sale violates KRS 527.020, classifying them as prohibited weapons. Local law enforcement, including Louisville Metro Police, enforces these restrictions under Kentucky’s 2023 weapons statute amendments, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies for repeat offenses.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Kentucky
- Prohibited Weapon Status: KRS 527.020 explicitly bans brass knuckles, categorizing them alongside switchblades and blackjacks.
- Penalties for Violation: First offenses may result in Class A misdemeanors (up to 12 months imprisonment), while subsequent violations escalate to Class D felonies (1–5 years imprisonment).
- Local Enforcement: Agencies like the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police prioritize compliance checks, particularly in high-density urban areas where concealed carry risks are elevated.
Recent legislative scrutiny in 2026 has reinforced these restrictions, with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security monitoring compliance under the state’s broader weapons trafficking prevention initiatives. Exceptions exist solely for licensed historical reenactors or law enforcement, requiring prior approval from the Kentucky State Police. Civil liability for injuries sustained during illegal use further underscores the legal risks associated with possession.