<P> By the late 19th century, knuckledusters were incorporated into various kinds of pistols such as the Apache revolver used by criminals in France in the late 19th to early 20th centuries . During World War I the US Army issued two different knuckle knives, the US model 1917 and US model 1918 Mark I trench knives . Knuckles and knuckle knives were also being made in England at the time and purchased privately by British soldiers . By World War II, knuckles and knuckle knives were quite popular with both American and British soldiers . The Model 1918 trench knives were reissued to American paratroopers . British Commandos even had their very own "Death's Head" knuckle knife, featuring a skull - shaped brass knuckle handle . </P> <P> A notable knuckle knife still in use is the Cuchillo de Paracaidista, issued to Argentinian paratroopers . Current - issue models have an emergency blade in the crossguard . </P> <P> Brass knuckles are illegal in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Republic of Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia ("кастет", from French "casse - tête", which means "head - breaker"), Spain, Turkey,, Greece and Singapore . </P> <P> Import of knuckle dusters into Australia is illegal unless a government permit is obtained; permits are only available for limited purposes, such as police and government use, or use in film productions . They are prohibited weapons in the state of New South Wales . </P>

Is it illegal to have brass knuckles in canada