What Are Cut Resistant Gloves?

By 221B Tactical Suresh Madhavan

What Are Cut Resistant Gloves?

What are cut resistant gloves? We get this question a lot, so I decided to do a little write up on this for all those asking. As a manufacturer of what many regard as the best cut resistant gloves in the world, it only makes sense that we provide you with the information you need to make an educated and informed buying decision.

Cut resistant gloves have been around for decades. In fact, if you go back to the 12th century, there’s evidence of knights utilising gloves made of metal to help protect their hands against cuts from swords.

Modern day cut resistant gloves, of course, have come a long way. In fact, there have been some significant advancements in this domain in even the last 5 years. 221B Tactical has, in fact, been regarded as being one of the pioneers in the cut resistant glove space. This is due mostly to the fact that we’ve innovated gloves that couple cut resistant technology with superior full dexterity; something unattainable by many companies for the last decade.

Are cut resistant gloves cut proof?

This is one of the most common questions we get about gloves. Just like body armour, where there is a difference between “bullet resistant” and “bullet proof” there is a similar situation when it comes to cut resistant gloves.

The word “proof” denotes complete, impenetrable protection. And as you might imagine, using the word “proof” is a big deal, carries a great deal of responsibility and a ton of liability. Hence why you will almost never see the word “proof” when it comes to protective gear such as body armour and gloves.

The word “resistant” denotes protection but not 100% impenetrable protection. Thus, in certain situations when certain thresholds are reached, there can and will be penetration and/or failure. When it comes to cut resistant gloves, this threshold is clearly defined by varying levels of cut resistance.

What are the different levels of cut resistant gloves?

There are two primary standards when it comes to cut resistant gloves: EN388 and ANSI/ISEA. Each uses various testing mechanisms to determine the strength and cut resistance of various materials. I won’t bore you with the details, but it suffices to say that both testing standards are similar in nature. For more information about these test standards, visit their respective websites. However, if you’re looking for the reader’s digest version, take a look at the image below. What are cut resistant glove levels 

How to choose cut resistant gloves

So, with all this information, how do you choose the best cut resistant gloves for you? Well, it all depends on what you’re doing, and the potential threats involved in what you’re doing.

If you’re a homeowner doing some odds and end around the house, you can probably get away with gloves with a Level A or B EN388 (ANSI AR1-A3) rating. However, if you’re working in an industrial field with significantly sharp objects like glass and sheet metal, you will surely want to opt for gloves with a higher level of cut protection. The same goes for first responders and those working in Police and Law Enforcement. Those in these fields often encounter subjects armed with knives and thus must have the highest level of protection on their hands.

Keep in mind that the higher the protection level, the less dexterity you may have for handling tools and small objects. 221B Tactical gloves have so many 5-star reviews because they offer full dexterity even at the highest levels of protection.

How to clean cut resistant gloves

The best way to clean cut resistant gloves is to simply hand wash them with warm, anti-bacterial soap in a sink. After rinsing them thoroughly, lay them flat to dry in an area with good air flow and direct sunlight. Machine washing and drying is not recommended for these types of gloves.

I trust this article provided you with some useful information about cut resistant gloves and aides in your purchasing decision. Your hands are your livelihood. Protect them at all costs. Even if you’re doing something that may seem trivial, accidents happen. Always have a solid pair of cut resistant gloves on your hands and work with an enhances sense of security and peace.