November 28, 1983 Subject:
Weapons: "Brass Knucks" with Blade
Requested By:
Lt. F. R. Hudson Morganton Police Department
Questions:
- Is it legal for dealers to sell a device called "Assassin" which consists of a pair of metallic knuckles with a 3 1/2 inch blade attached – the whole device measuring 8 1/2 inches long?
- Is the carrying of such weapon legal?
Conclusions:
- Yes.
- Yes, if not concealed.
G.S. 14-260 reads in relevant part: "14-269 – Carrying Concealed Weapons:
- (a)
- It shall be unlawful for any person, except when on his own premises, willfully and intentionally to carry concealed about his person any bowie knife, dirk, dagger, sling shot, loaded cane, metallic knuckles, razor, pistol, gun or other deadly weapon of like kind.
- (c)
- Any person violating the provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), imprisonment for not more than six months, or both."
The carrying of metallic knuckles concealed is a violation of G.S. 14-269. Determination as to whether the attached knife blade would place the weapon in question in the category of a "dirk or dagger" as referred to in 14-269 is not necessary to answer the question presented.
The weapon described would be subject to the confiscation provisions of G.S. 14-269.1 if the bearer is convicted of carrying a concealed weapon under G.S. 14-269.
RUFUS L. EDMISTEN ATTORNEY GENERAL
William W. Melvin
Senior Deputy Attorney General