A rigid handcuff
assembly is disclosed that includes a pair of handcuff bracelets adapted to be releasably applied to a person's wrists. The handcuff bracelets include
cheek plate assemblies that are pivotally interconnected to a connecting block that includes
locking mechanism enabling movement of the handcuff bracelets between folded positions disposed in overlying juxtaposed relation, and positions wherein the handcuffs are automatically locked in rigid substantially coplanar aligned relation. The interconnected
cheek plate assemblies define a handgrip when disposed in rigid aligned relation. The handgrip has structural indicia thereon adapted to be sensed by the user's hand, such as a raised palm swell surface sensed by the palm of a user's hand, and
thumb sensing indicia disposed in predetermined relation to the user's
thumb when gripping the handcuff, thereby enabling predetermined orientation and manipulation of the rigid handcuffs without direct eye contact with the handcuff
assembly. The handgrip includes shield surfaces that shield fingers, the web and base of the user's hand when gripping the handgrip.