So, Shiv has a couple of items which grant bonuses to grapple:

Armbands of the brawler: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/a-b/armbands-of-the-brawler

Brawling armor: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-armor/magic-armor-and-shield-special-abilities/brawling

There was also one that I have been looking add:

Gauntlets of the skilled maneuver: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/e-g/gauntlets-of-the-skilled-maneuver

My question is, do these items grant the bonuses to CMD as well as CMB? They mention "checks", which would indicate CMB as CMD has no check. However, Grapple is uniqe among combat maneuvers in that both CMB and CMD are nessessary to succed at grappling (if one's CMB for grapple is exceptional but their CMD is low the enemy will just break out), and these items are ment to aid grapplers.

Thus far I have been playing as though the items only grant bonuses to CMB not CMD, but I am interested to hear what the group thinks.

I am unsure what is RAW, and I havn't looked. My interpertation is that it would apply to both. The idea is to be better at grappling. 

Per RAW, they do not.  Secondly, RAW in this case is really poorly written.

"The wearer of these gauntlets gains a +2 bonus on one type of combat maneuver check (such as bull rush, disarm, or steal) chosen by the creator when the item is created."

should read (In the case of CMB only)

"The wearer of these gauntlets gains a +2 bonus to his CMB on one type of combat maneuver(such as bull rush, disarm, or steal) chosen by the creator when the item is created."

or (in the case of CMB and CMD)

"The wearer of these gauntlets gains a +2 bonus to his CMB on one type of combat maneuver(such as bull rush, disarm, or steal) and a +2 bonus to his CMD againt the same maneuver chosen by the creator when the item is created."

I think RAW, the answer is no.  I think RAI, the answer is "let's be DM's and discuss".  Paladin votes as follows:

Gauntlets: CMB and CMD
Brawlng Armor: CMB Only
Armbands: CMB only

Paladin, what is your reasoning for the difference between the armor and the gauntlets? I only ask because they use the exact same wording.

The wearer of brawling armor gains a +2 bonus on unarmed attack and damage rolls, including combat maneuver checks made to grapple.

The wearer of these gauntlets gains a +2 bonus on one type of combat maneuver check (such as bull rush, disarm, or steal) chosen by the creator when the item is created.

It's a RAI arguement:
The Armor is focused on attack forms, and does not provide a defensive bonus.

The gauntles are manuver focused, so I buy the CMD arguement there.

Again....It's not a RAW arguement.  Of note....do the gauntlets allow for a bonus for CMD for any other manuvers?  and if it bumps CMD as well, should it cost more?

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Non-sequiter:  this is also why I don't like the grapple rules in general.  Too much effort....Also.....Overrun is just as lame. lol.