Originally Posted by
polonius
You missed the more relevant parts of the Wikipedia entry: 1) "In most countries, the possession, let alone use, of brass knuckles is not illegal" (my bolding, don't know about New York) and 2) "Brass knuckles can normally be purchased at flea markets, swap meets, and some sword and weapon shops" so it doesn't sound to me like there was anything inappropriate about the passenger's behaviour, as some on the board have suggested. It's oppression pure and simple.
I'm going to safely say that they're illegal in NYC. Posession/ownership of such would be illegal.
If he did use it as a paperweight and bought it when it was legal... that's fine.
If he's moving to FL, why not just put it into checked luggage or a shipping box?
Brass Knuckles are -not- fun to be hit with.