🛡️ Levels of Cut Resistance: What You Need to Know

Not all cut-resistant gloves are built equal. If you're trusting your hands to just any pair on the rack, you're playing a dangerous game. Here's how to decode the protection levels and make sure your gear matches your grind.

📊 Cut Ratings: ANSI vs EN388

Two standards, same mission—keep your fingers intact.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 (North America)

• Scale: A1 through A9
• Method: ASTM F2992-15, TDM-100 straight blade test
• What It Means: The higher the level, the more grams of weight the glove can take before slicing through.
• Use Cases:

• A1–A3: Light-duty jobs like assembly lines, warehouse handling.
• A4–A9: High-risk work—glass, metalwork, heavy construction.
• The new 105-2024 standard updates and standardizes glove performance communication. No changes were made to testing methods or levels.

EN388:2016 (Europe & Global)

• Scales:
• Position “b”: Blade Cut (Coup Test), rated 0–5
• Position “e”: ISO Cut Resistance, rated A–F using the TDM-100
• Measured In: Newtons (force)
• Note: Ratings are not interchangeable with ANSI. A glove rated EN Level C ≠ ANSI Level A3.

🧪 The Science Behind the Safety

Both standards rely on the Tomodynamometer (TDM-100)—a blade slicing test under controlled pressure.

• ANSI: Measures in grams → weight to break through.
• EN388 (ISO): Measures in Newtons → force to breach.
  The EN Coup Test (oscillating circular blade) gives a secondary score but isn’t directly comparable to TDM results.

🎯 Choosing the Right Cut Protection

Cut ratings aren't the whole story. Real-world performance depends on:

• Grip & dexterity
• Touchscreen compatibility
• Puncture or abrasion resistance
• Material endurance under stress

Don’t settle for generic PPE. Get a glove that can handle more than just one hazard like, 
SoD's Cut 6 High dexterity, breathable, multi-use glove