PPSS Group has released a new cut resistant fabric called Cut-Tex Pro. They are using it to produce “cut resistant gloves and cut resistant clothing for police, prison, emergency services, social and health care, animal welfare as well as metal pressing and glass handling companies.” The fabric has been independently certified to BS EN 388:2003 Blade Cut Resistance Level 5 which is the highest level.
It is important to point out that this material is cut or slash resistant and not stab resistant. A stab involves a pointed object like an ice pick or a knife penetrating point first into an object. All of the force is directed behind the narrow entry point allowing it to go deeper. On the other hand, a slash or cut is what is being demonstrated in the photo above. The force is spread out across the blade making it more difficult to penetrate through protected layers.
Most corrections professionals wear cut and stab resistant armor, but short of full riot gear the arms and sides are generally unprotected. Particularly in the UK, LE is more likely to be cut than shot. Despite the efforts of government, threats can’t be legislated away, they just adapt.
While most cut and stab resistant solutions are of aramid (Kevlar) construction, according to PPS Group, Cut-Tex pro is a “combination of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and other technical fibres weaved by special high-density knitting machines”. They use this weave to to manufacture under garments that are inherently cut resistant so everything that is covered by the fabric is protected from cuts. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of polyethylene construction is its resistance to dyeing. Hence, colors like the Grey you see. So it will still have to be covered by other garments, but this does mean that it is a covert protective solution. No one will know you are wearing it and it will not get in the way of normal duties.
This looks to be a great technology for protecting from cuts and slashes and is available as garments or fabric. Please let us know if anyone gets their hands on any of it.
For more info visit www.cut-tex.com.
