text: are brass knuckles illegal to carry? just wondering, because i figured as a female who is often alone, they'd serve as a good, compact device to defend myself with. does it vary by state (i'm in maine)? and does it matter that i have a permit to carry a concealed weapon? i would just carry a gun, but i'm going to be working in a state park that doesn't allow guns. it's not a matter of concealment. they are just plain illegal to own.