No. Under the current Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(a)(6), anyone who “intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs or sells … knuckles….” commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Some Exceptions (not an inclusive list)
A. There is an exception for those possessing such weapons “incident to the performance of official duty and pursuant to military regulations” Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(b)(1), as well as an exception for those “engaging in a lawful commercial or business transaction with an organization identified in subdivision (b)(1).” Essentially, individuals can possess/manufacture/sell/transport prohibited weapons like knuckles if they are doing so as part of their official military duties, or if they are selling such weapons to the military. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(b)(2).
B. There is an enumerated defense to prosecution when handling of knuckles “[w]as incident to using the weapon in a manner reasonably related to a lawful dramatic performance or scientific research.” Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1302(b)(4).
C. Similarly, there is also an exception to prosecution under this section for those handling knuckles “incident to displaying the weapon in a public museum or exhibition.”
