10 Brutal Close-Combat Fist Weapons

While brass knuckles are widely known, history has presented us with several other fist weapons designed for warriors who prefer to fight up close rather than from a distance with a sword or firearm.

10. The Pata

The pata was an Indian weapon, originally used by the ancient warrior class, the Maratha, before becoming widespread across India. Essentially, it was a sword attached to a gauntlet-like structure, though instead of having fingers or a mitten, it featured a protective shell that shielded the warrior’s hand from attacks. The pata extended up the wrist to cover the forearm, providing full protection for at least half the limb.

The blade was fixed directly to the end of the unyielding shell and held by a bar grip. Because the pata was a single piece, the Maratha warrior could not move his wrist, forcing him to rely on elbow movement for all actions. It’s believed that the weapon was used on horseback like a lance, thrusting toward the enemy, while its elevated position also made it easy to strike down upon opponents who were unmounted.

9. Cestus

Roman boxing was often brutal. While even a bare-handed punch could be lethal, Roman fighters enhanced their fists with a weapon known as the cestus. This glove, typically crafted from leather strips, was often reinforced with metal plating, turning each blow into a deadly strike that kept the bloodthirsty Roman crowds on the edge of their seats.

Although slave matches could be fought to the death, free gladiators had the option to surrender or even agree to temporary pauses to catch their breath between bouts. Roman boxing was an unforgiving spectacle, and if fighters didn’t succumb or simply give up, they could sustain enough damage that it wasn't uncommon to see them finish the match disfigured.

Yet, the savage nature of these contests didn’t seem to fulfill the bloodlust of the Romans, leading to the creation of a more brutal weapon derived from the cestus: the myrmex, or “limb piercer.” This “enhanced” version resembled a horse spur worn over the hands, which surely turned the fights into even bloodier affairs.

8. The Suntetsu

Once a simple but highly effective weapon used by samurai, the suntetsu was a small iron bar typically featuring a ring in the middle. The user would slip the ring onto their finger and grip the bar in their hand. In some variations, the ring was positioned to the side, making the opposite end of the bar thinner for a more streamlined design.

The suntetsu was notably customizable due to its simplicity. In some versions, the ring could be fitted with spikes for added impact, allowing the user to strike forcefully. Some suntetsu models even replaced the ring with long spikes, transforming the weapon into a more lethal tool likely intended for assassinations rather than self-defense.

Suntetsu were primarily designed for targeting an opponent’s vital areas, and the spiked versions were not always necessary. As a straightforward heavy iron rod with a central ring, it also made for a reliable defense against edged weapons. A samurai could swiftly block a sword or dagger thrust and then use the suntetsu to deliver a decisive blow to an opponent’s throat, concluding the fight.

7. Turkana Finger Knives

The Turkana people, along with several surrounding communities, are known to wear finger knives, which serve both as tools and weapons. These finger knives, called corogat, are crafted from single pieces of iron or aluminum. The metal is shaped into a ring, with blades of varying lengths protruding from the fingers, forming a simple yet effective weapon.

Finger knives are primarily used for practical tasks, such as eating or extracting teeth. When not in use, larger versions are stored in basic hide sheaths to prevent accidental injury. Though they are handy tools for daily life, they can also function as powerful weapons in times of need. If a fight occurs, the sheaths are discarded, and the finger knives transform into deadly tools capable of cutting, piercing, and even gouging out eyes. One particular type, the ngigolio, was so dangerous that, under British colonial rule, they were banned due to their lethal nature.

6. SAP Gloves

SAP gloves, also known as weighted knuckle gloves, are non-lethal fist weapons frequently used by security personnel. Bodyguards, bouncers, and law enforcement officers may keep a pair handy in case a confrontation suddenly occurs. At first glance, these gloves appear to be ordinary, but they are designed with metal plates or shot sewn into the knuckles. Unlike brass knuckles, which are intended to cause more harm, SAP gloves are crafted to quickly subdue an opponent with minimal injury.

The metal lining of SAP gloves offers significant protection for the wearer, reducing the risk of hand injury even when striking hard surfaces. Often constructed from kevlar, these gloves can partially resist cuts from blades or prevent lacerations that might occur when landing a punch on teeth. In some versions, metal is also sewn onto the back of the hand to enhance defense against blows. Unlike brass knuckles, SAP gloves are legal in most states because they are considered less dangerous.

5. Bagh Nakh Tiger Claws

The bagh nakh, also known as tiger claws, was both a symbolic and deadly weapon. Popular in the Mysore region of India in the 1700s, it was associated with the worship of a supreme goddess who was revered as a tiger. The term 'bagh nakh' translates to 'tiger claws' and embodied the power of the goddess, who was renowned for defeating demons.

The weapon, though lacking a specific standard design aside from the claws themselves, took on numerous forms. The most frequently seen version was a fusion of bagh nakh and bichhwa, a type of knife commonly found in the Mysore area. While the bagh nakh symbolized the raw power of a tiger, the bichhwa blade, known as the "scorpion's sting," represented the venomous tail of the insect. By wielding such a weapon, one would have metaphorically (and perhaps literally) possessed both the strength of a tiger and the lethal precision of a scorpion.

Though a combination weapon like this would be hard to conceal, the bagh nakh itself was designed to be hidden with ease. Shivaji, a legendary figure in Indian history and the founder of the Maratha Empire, famously used a concealed bagh nakh to carry out the assassination of a rival general.

4. Deer Horn Knives

Deer horn knives were an influential pair of weapons originating from China, wielded by Dong Haichuan, the founder of the Baguazhang kung fu style. It was said that Haichuan, who worked as a tax collector, used his knives to single-handedly defeat entire gangs of highwaymen during his journeys. His remarkable skill with these blades was so famous that he was even dispatched to collect taxes beyond the Great Wall, accompanied by just a single assistant.

Attacks with the deer horn knives are extensions of hand strikes, with the wrists remaining straight to harness the full power of the arms. The techniques of use are derived from Baguazhang’s unarmed forms, and students are only taught to handle these specialized weapons after years of training in the barehanded techniques, due to the high risk of self-injury.

Traditionally, students dedicated years to mastering the footwork of Baguazhang’s distinctive circling movements before they began practicing striking techniques. It was only after this that they progressed to weapons training, beginning with simpler weapons before attempting the more challenging deer horn knives. With their multiple blades, used in conjunction with circling the opponent, the deer horn knives are notoriously difficult to master.

3. Push Daggers

Once a notorious weapon in New Orleans, the push dagger is a dangerous fist weapon that is often concealed within a sleeve, belt, or boot. Its design is inspired by the ancient katar, but with the blade directly attached to a handle that is perpendicular to it. The base of the blade is narrow and lacks an edge, allowing it to comfortably protrude between two fingers. Its intended use is to be punched outward, targeting soft tissue, and its slim blade is perfect for slipping into the ribcage.

The push dagger made its way down the Mississippi River with gamblers, where it was embraced by the criminal underworld of New Orleans. In this region, it became known as the gimlet knife due to its resemblance to a drilling tool of the same name. Its widespread use in New Orleans murders led the state of Louisiana to ban the weapon, but the law had little impact, and the push dagger continued to be a popular weapon for crime.

The weapon's popularity can likely be attributed to its ease of concealment and its quick accessibility for a fast strike. This practicality did not go unnoticed by the armed forces, and many soldiers carried push daggers into battle during both world wars for close-quarters combat.

2. Gadlings

Those familiar with European knights recognize the iconic armored gauntlet. While primarily designed to protect the hand, its ability to serve as an offensive weapon was also appreciated by its creators. In the late 14th century, armorers began to attach metal studs known as gadlings to these gauntlets. While some gadlings were purely decorative, such as the cat-shaped ones found on the Black Prince Edward's, they generally functioned as a way to transform the gauntlet into an additional weapon in a knight's arsenal.

Most gadlings were sharp spikes added to the knuckles, providing a knight with a last-resort weapon if he was disarmed. Depending on his opponent’s armor, the knight might have been able to strike a vulnerable spot with his gauntlet. There are reports of such spikes turning the tide of battle, like during a trial by combat before King Edward III, when a knight accused of treason struck his adversary’s face with his gadlings, ultimately winning the duel and saving his life.

1. The Tekko Iron Fist

The tekko is an Okinawan weapon, often referred to as the 'iron fist.' It originated from an earlier weapon called the tek chu, the local variant of the suntetsu. The first tekko were crafted from iron, which is why they earned their nickname, and represented a more advanced evolution of weapons. The weapon’s shaft was designed to fit the user’s fingers, ensuring a firmer and more reliable grip.

Unlike the tek chu, but similar to the knuckleduster, the tekko incorporated a band that wrapped around the knuckles, offering protection. It featured three spikes aimed at critical areas of the body such as the ribs, joints, and collarbone. If an adversary attempted to disarm the user or grab their forearm, a swift twist of the wrist would cause the spikes to draw blood.

Tekko also has specific forms within the broader discipline of karate. Practitioners use two of these weapons, combined with standard gripping techniques, which are easily executed while wearing a pair of these iron fists.