Well, they're not dead weight, per se, as they still have their defense mode [s]which I totally didn't forget about, what are you talking about[/s] so they can still be useful in keeping him safe. Only issue s that he won't be able to deal much damage this way as the weight gauntlets lack the same offense power as his claws do, plus he can't infuse his attacks with dust in their defense mode, leaving him much less versatile a fighter. If Silme were to have his way and fight the grimm alone, he'd likely get himself killed.