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Explain Like I'm 5: Cut-Resistant Gloves

Short explanation of cut-rated gloves.

You may have seen online cut-resistant gloves using certain terminology:

But what exactly makes a glove cut-resistant? Moreover, how can someone label their gloves as cut-resistant?

The stronger the fabric, the higher the cut level.

The United States standard for cut-resistance is set by ANSI, the American National Standards Institute.

A machine called a TDM-100 uses a blade to slide across a sample of glove material at different weights and distances. This is conducted multiple times with fresh glove samples to gather the average cutting load using a 20 millimeter reference.

ANSI cut levels are spread into 9 levels, each with increasingly higher cut load.

Now, does an ANSI cut A9 glove have 9x the durability of an A1 glove?

No. The durability may be slightly better since the fabric is stronger, but the main purpose of a high cut glove is the level of intensity load it can handle.

For gloves that claim cut-resistance using EN388, they will leave out "A" in front of the number. This is the European test standard and uses a different test method that is not as effective as ANSI's TDM-100 method. This caused some fabrics to give a higher cut rating than it should have received due to blade blunting. Only in the last couple of years did they implement their own TDM-100 test method.

For most general operations, an ANSI cut A1 would cover most jobs. Think general handling and sorting. Something that would protect you from minor papercuts and abrasion injuries, while providing you with the highest amount of dexterity for precision handling.

At Cestus®, our knit gloves are spun and woven with performance grade fabric, infused with anti-bacterial properties for a fresh and long-lasting wear.

Take a look at our most popular knit, an ANSI cut A1 glove used by many in construction, warehouse, roofing, carpentry, and field operations. Click the image below to check it out or click here.

The American Standard: ANSI/ISEA 105

In 2016 ANSI and ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) released cut ratings (A1-A9) via the TDM-100 method, which is designed to better simulate real-world situations of an accidental cut or slash. The results are the amount of force it takes to cut through the material using a straight blade.

From just a glance, you can see that an A1 and A9 are not in a linear progression, with an A9 being nearly 30x the force required from an A1 rating.

The European Standard: EN388

The European Commission’s standard originally only had the coup test, but now includes the TDM-100 test.

EN 388 TDM-100 Cut Resistance Levels:

Although they both use the same test, the rating visualization is different.

EN 388 Coup Test Levels:

Before TDM-100, the coup test was the main cut test but had major flaws. Some materials during the test would dull the blade and cause the result to be skewed upwards, such as glass and steel.

Which Level Is Right for You?

Work sites in the United States with mandatory requirements will use the ANSI cut rating. This will vary based on work sites and what you are specifically doing.

Cestus coated work gloves provide well-built and high-quality performance.