[Cuje]

I've read articles about it and I know that when you compare the cases between knives and guns, that, if convicted, the cutters usually do more time and deal with harsher penalties than the shooters.

I think the theory is that if you've used a knife, (it blows my mind that I'm actually repeating it) you had to come to grips with your attacker/victim, which insinuates something about not trying hard enough to evade the other person.

Also knife wounds are, from what I understand (I'm not an expert,) more difficult to treat and they're "scarier" or more visceral. Juries don't react well to them.

I think the brass knuckle thing could be something like this. Also, if you punch a dude in the face or head with a set of knucks, you can pretty much be assured that some serious damage has been done.

I wouldn't carry them. If you're hitting someone with your fist, you're obviously not going to hit them as hard (after you break your hand) and you also have more control over the amount of damage you're inflicting.