All weapons in this category are 'true' melee weapons, and all melee weapons are affected by the '''Strength''' statistic, which acts as a direct multiplier to Pain and Limb Damage.
The primary purpose of handgear weapons is to modify the amount of damage dealt when throwing Punches, functioning as the 'weapon' component of [[unarmed combat]]. Therefore, '''all Handgear weapons call for the use of the [[Combat skills#melee and misc skills|Martial Arts arts]] skill.'''
Handgear weapons are also special in that they also serve as armor for the hands. All handgear weapons have an Armor Class rating, protecting both hands.