White Haired Witch and the Brawling Weapon enchantment

[Kobara]

Looking at the Brawling Weapon Enchantment (pg 212 Advanced Class Guide) it states "The wielder of this weapon gains an enhancement bonus on combat maneuver checks equal to the enhancement bonus of the weapon."

Now I know this is nitpicking but could a white haired witch pick up a set of brass knuckles +5 and add that bonus to her hair grapples/trips? My thinking is that the description doesn't specifically say that you need to use the weapon to make the attempt.

[Isaac Zephyr]

I am of the type who will argue skeletons have skin. You raise a good point, it is not specified. I would imagine the RAI is bonus to maneuver checks that use the weapon, being Trip, Disarm or Sunder only. However, I'm not entirely sure on the ruling there, since I think you already apply all of a weapon's bonuses when using them for a maneuver (ala the Weapon Finesse FAQ) though I may be wrong. If Weapon Focus applies to those three Maneuvers then what purpose does Brawling serve?

Overall, I would probably rule no, though the hair would count as a natural weapon (maybe) for an Amulet of Mighty Blows (or is it strikes? IDRemember).

[ohako]

eh, I don't think you want +5 brawling brass knuckles, because geez, that's a +6 weapon, and here you are wanting to wield your hair in combat. I see that you want to boost your grapple check as high as it will go. Here's what to do

a) Be an evangelist. It's a 3/4 BaB class, and you'll be one level behind with all your witch-y goodies, which is a pretty good trade
b) have a king crab for a familiar. They give you a bonus on grapple checks, although not CMD I think. Since witches have a hard time casting create water, you could take a trait to swap for it, get it once a day (again as a trait), or pick up a goblet of quenching to keep your crab moist.
c) get a set of armbands of the brawler. They're very cheap.
d) get a set of gauntlets of the skilled manuever tied to grapple. They stack with the armbands and the crab, and no it doesn't matter if you never grapple with your arms in your life. You can keep them crossed and still have your +3.

There's a few other things to do, like maybe taking a level of unchained monk and Feral Combat Training, or taking the Strength patron for divine favor/divine power. But hey, it's your witch. Have fun with it.

[avr]

It seems pretty clear that it's all combat maneuver checks. Many of those don't use the weapon, so yeah, I think you could do that.

[Kobara]

ohako, I was merely using the knuckles as an example in order to make the question more clear but I do appreciate the sentiment. :) As for the other suggestions

A) Looks very interesting and probably something I do for a different character, just not the right feel for what I'm going for at the moment.
B)The campaign isn't allowing traits so that's a no go but I think a turtle (+1 Natural AC) is an acceptable substitute.
C) Oooh that's a nice cheap alternative! I was thinking about adding the Brawling enchant to a pair or bracers of armor. The enchantment can only be applied to light armor but what's lighter than a pair of bracers?
D) Another good idea. :) Only downside is you have to choose one maneuver. The weapon enchant would apply to all maneuvers but if I can't use it with the hair oh well.

The build is looking like White Haired Witch 4/ Unchained Monk 2. The witch part for the 10' reach and grapple/trip abilities. The monk for the flurry of blows and base attack, not to mention hit points. I am looking at the wisdom patron though and going more defensive (shield of faith, owl's wisdom.) Thoughts?