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Cut Resistance: What's In a Level 5 Glove?

All CE Level 5 gloves are not created equal. Many of these gloves offer a minimal level of protection for industrial applications.

When it comes to cut-resistance ratings on personal protective equipment (PPE), all Level 5s are not created equal. There is significant confusion in global markets because many glove manufacturers misrepresent how they test their gloves, and the standard doesn't provide clear direction.

In the European market, gloves are evaluated according to EN388, the mandatory performance standard for all gloves as standardized and regulated by the CEN. The cut-test method, called the Coup test, uses a constant weight on a counter-rotating circular blade that is moved back and forth across a sample by the test machine. Ironically, this test, designed to measure cut resistance, is not suitable for materials that have a high degree of cut resistance as the materials that contribute to cut resistance (glass fibers, steel or hard guard plates) tend to dull the blade and overestimate the real world protection provided by such gloves.

The United States uses a different standard developed by ASTM: method F1790-04. This standard is similar to the ISO (13997) test. This test involves the interpretation of data obtained from putting varying pressure (weights) on a standardized razor-type blade and recording the distance the blade travels (at a constant speed) before cutting through. The ISO 13997 or the ASTM F1790-04 tests are the recommended methods by the EN388 standard to calibrate the cut resistance of high cut-resistant materials. In fact, it is noted in the EN388 documentation that the standard EN388 test is not applicable to gloves made from very hard materials (i.e., glass fibers, fibers mixed with steel, etc.). It further is noted that the alternative test method for high cut-resistant materials is described in ISO 13997.

If test results of various products identified as CE Level 5 products are taken and normalized on the ISO or ASTM test, you can see the relative test results of various types of products (see Figure 1 below). You will note that there are two bars on the graph for the CE 5 rating. This is because in tests by respected manufacturers, we find that CE Level 5 gloves offer a wide array of performance ranges. Some of these gloves score as low as 1,000 grams (10 newtons), qualifying them barely for a Level 3 on the ASTM/ISEA scale. Note that the force required to cut through is expressed as grams in the ASTM test and in newtons in the ISO test. These numbers can be converted for comparing the results on these tests (100 grams = .98 newtons).


When normalized, we see that the scores of gloves claiming to be CE Level 5 gloves vary quite a bit. Why is this? There are several reasons for the variability, including testing consistency, operator variability and material variability. However, the single largest factor is this: While the EN388 standard suggests that the Coup test is not appropriate for materials that abrade the cutting wheel, the standard doesn't require the alternative ISO testing method be used.

Section 6.2 of the standard merely states that the test is not appropriate for hard materials like chain mail, but doesn't contemplate other hard materials like fiberglass. So some manufacturers, while knowing the test is not appropriate, use it anyway to get the higher score (and sell more gloves).

This is very common in gloves that are blended with fiberglass, as the fiberglass “fools” the Coup test by dulling the blade. The range of performance that gloves can score and still qualify for a Level 5 is so varied that the CEN body is going to require gloves to not only list their cut level, but to note their average newton force.

Why would they do this? Because they recognize that worker safety requires a better understanding of the real cut protection a glove is providing.

We can now conclude that all Level 5 gloves are not created equal. There is significant confusion in global markets because many glove manufacturers misrepresent how they test their gloves, and the standard doesn't provide clear direction.


In our field studies of injuries and the corresponding hand protection worn, we see that many injuries can happen with PPE rated in the range below ASTM/ISEA Level 5 of 3,569 grams (35 Newtons). This easily can be demonstrated with a razor blade (simulating sharp metal or glass) and how easily typical CE 5 gloves will cut. As a result, many end users have adopted standards for their own organizations, specifying a minimum cut at a certain number such as 3,000 or 3,500 grams, a Level 4 or 5 ASTM. Keep in mind the standard is a guide; the profile of the hazard and actual use conditions are paramount. We always encourage conducting a safe test in actual situations such as adding new gloves, utilizing used gloves, saturating gloves with oils and fluids, etc.


Cut-resistance tests are just one element of what needs to be considered. Often punctures are misreported as cuts. A sharp edge, corner, burr or other protruding hazard can penetrate the glove and scrape or cut skin. With knit gloves, the hazard actually can poke through the open knit and cut the skin without cutting the glove.

So how does this happen? Depending on the density of the knit and gauge of the glove (the measure of the number of knitting needles per inch) and the thickness of the fibers, a glove may “window,” with the knit spreading apart, thus allowing a sharp point or blade to cut the hand. Plating with small guard plates can reduce this effect as the plates shield the knit structure from the hazards. The plates also lock in the knit and don't allow the knit to window.

Abrasion resistance also is a critical factor in preventing hand injuries. In fact, if a glove fails too early due to wearing through from an abrasive hazard, the skin quickly is exposed to cut hazards. So, the higher the abrasion level, the higher the level of protection from not just abrasion, but from cut and punctures. Other factors include:

Stability - Evaluate the performance of a new glove versus a glove that has been worn for a day. Look for products that don't degrade when exposed or used. Some products are affected when subject to abrasion, laundering or are exposed to UV light.

Wind-up risk - Some materials can be caught in machine parts such as rotating grinding wheels or drills and sanding materials. This can pull the hand or finger into the equipment and cause severe injury to tendons, muscles and ligaments and even amputation of fingers, hands and arms. Protective gloves that prevent or reduce windup risks are available and can be used where risks are present.

Fit - Gloves that are too tight may be cut more easily, as many of the fibers used for cut resistance use a rolling action to increase cut resistance. When these fibers cannot roll, such as when they are stretched from an ill-fitting or wrongly sized glove, they can “lose” some of their cut resistance. Take an example from the kitchen and do this simple experiment: Put a cucumber on a cutting board and take a very sharp knife. Try to cut the cucumber with a sawing motion without holding the cucumber. It just rolls and doesn't cut. Now hold that cucumber and do the same thing. It cuts very easily. So, tight fitting gloves can perform like the immobilized cucumber. Make sure your glove program accounts for proper sizing and employees know what to look for when picking gloves.

Coating - Coating impacts cut-resistant gloves that use cut-resistant fibers. Once the coating is applied, the rolling and twisting that helps the fiber achieve its cut resistance can be reduced. Most coated gloves have a higher cut-resistance on the back of the hand than on the palm because the fibers are not coated. Keep this in mind as you select your hand protection.

Grip - Using grip that isn't appropriate for the job can lead to higher injury rates as objects with sharp edges slip, causing slicing motion on the gloves.


With all of this confusion (what tests are relevant today, what performance factors to consider) in the PPE market, what can be done to make sure that as safety professionals, we pick the best gloves for the job?

The ISO and ASTM tests offer a better approximation of what you are going to find in a real-world work situation. That combined with an assessment of “other factors” mentioned above is what you need for picking the correct PPE.

Steve VanErmen is president of HexArmor. For more information, visit or call 1.877.MYARMOR.

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