Cut-Resistant Gloves

Cut-resistant gloves protect hands from lacerations and slash injuries during work with sharp materials including glass, sheet metal, blades, cutting tools, and packaging materials. Hand and finger lacerations requiring medical treatment represent a substantial fraction of all occupational injuries in manufacturing, food processing, glass handling, and construction industries. Selecting gloves with the appropriate ANSI/ISEA 105 cut protection level for the specific task — matched to the materials and tools involved — dramatically reduces the frequency and severity of hand injuries without the dexterity sacrifice of using excessively thick gloves for tasks requiring precise hand control. WC Safety reviews cut-resistant gloves from Ansell, Superior Glove, Mechanix Wear, and Memphis for all cut protection levels and application types.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 defines nine cut protection levels (A1 through A9) based on the grams of force required to draw a blade through the glove material in the TDM-100 blade-on-roll cut test. A1 gloves require 200-499 grams of force; A9 gloves require 6000+ grams. For most material handling, assembly, and packaging work, A2 to A4 protection is appropriate. Glass handling, sheet metal fabrication, and food processing operations working with rigid sharp materials benefit from A4 to A6. Extremely sharp cutting operations including slaughterhouse work, wire handling, and metal stamping may require A7 to A9 for adequate protection.

Engineered fiber content determines both cut resistance and wearability. HPPE (high-performance polyethylene) fibers like Dyneema SK75 provide exceptional cut resistance at low weight and thickness, enabling A4-A6 gloves in a thin-knit format that maintains significant tactile sensitivity. Stainless steel fiber blends add cut resistance without the bulk of purely synthetic constructions, common in food processing applications where high cut resistance and washability are both required. Kevlar blends provide cut resistance combined with significant heat resistance, appropriate for applications with both cut and thermal hazards simultaneously. Understanding the fiber content helps predict how the glove will perform in specific environmental conditions.

Coating type on the palm and fingers affects grip, fluid resistance, and durability. Uncoated cut-resistant knits provide breathability and light-duty use protection. Sandy nitrile coatings improve dry and slightly oily grip, extending the glove's utility to oily metal handling and mechanical assembly. Foam nitrile coatings provide superior grip in wet and oily conditions while maintaining air permeability through the foam structure. Full-dip coatings maximize liquid resistance but reduce breathability for extended wear. For food processing applications, food-grade coatings that are compliant with FDA 21 CFR requirements must be specified.

Grip pattern and palm coating distribution are critical for tasks involving small parts or assembly work. Dotted nitrile coatings provide grip at specific points without covering the entire palm area, balancing grip with air circulation and tactile feedback. Full palm coating provides greater protection against cuts on the palm surface at the cost of reduced breathability. For fine assembly work requiring maximum dexterity, look for gloves with light palm coating only, leaving the fingertips uncoated or with minimal coating to preserve tactile sensitivity.

Glove sizing is often overlooked but significantly affects both protection and dexterity. A glove that is too large will have excess fabric that bunches at the fingertips, reducing dexterity and increasing the risk of the glove catching on machinery or equipment. A glove that is too small restricts blood flow and fatigues workers' hands during extended wear. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts based on hand circumference measured at the widest point of the palm. When in doubt, order one size larger — cut-resistant knit fabrics typically tighten slightly with initial use.

WC Safety reviews cut-resistant gloves across all ANSI A1-A9 cut levels in coated and uncoated formats for dry, wet, oily, and food-processing environments. Browse our cut-resistant glove collection by ANSI cut level, coating type, and application to find the right protection for every cutting hazard in your facility.

How-to: How to Choose Cut-Resistant Gloves by ANSI Cut Level (A1–A9)

Related reference guides

• Glove size chart — measure your hand and choose the right size.
• EN 388 glove standard explained — decode the abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture rating.
• ANSI impact gloves (ISEA 138) — decode impact levels 1, 2, and 3.

🔧 Free tool: Match the cut level to your task with our Cut-Resistance Level Selector (ANSI A1–A9).

Frequently Asked Questions

What ANSI cut level do I need for my task?

Match the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level (A1-A9) to the hazard. A1-A2 suit light assembly and packaging; A3-A4 fit general material handling, HVAC, and parts work; A5-A6 cover glass, metal stamping, and sharp edges; A7-A9 handle heavy blade and plate-handling risks. This collection spans A2 (Ergodyne 7000) through A9 (MCR PD6901), so pick the level for your sharpest exposure.

Are ANSI cut levels and EN388 ratings the same thing?

No. ANSI/ISEA 105 uses an A1-A9 scale based on grams of cutting load (TDM-100 test). EN388 reports a separate string that includes a Coup Test rating (1-5) plus an ISO 13997 letter (A-F) for cut, along with abrasion, tear, and puncture scores. A glove can carry both. Compare the same standard's number when ranking gloves, not an ANSI level against an EN coup digit.

Does a higher cut level mean less dexterity?

Often, but modern engineered yarns narrow the gap. Higher cut resistance once meant thick, stiff gloves, but HPPE and steel/glass-fiber blends like Ansell HyFlex deliver A4-A5 protection in a thin 18-gauge shell. For fine assembly choose a lower-gauge, lighter A2-A3 glove (Ergodyne 7001); for sharp-edge work accept slightly less feel for an A5-plus rating.

Will cut-resistant gloves protect against punctures or needles?

Not necessarily. ANSI cut and ANSI puncture are separate ratings, and standard cut gloves do not stop hypodermic needles. A high A-level resists slicing from blades and edges but a thin needle can pass between fibers. For puncture hazards check the EN388 puncture digit or a dedicated puncture-rated glove, and add a coated palm for general abrasion and grip.

Can cut-resistant gloves be washed and reused?

Yes, most knit cut-resistant gloves are reusable and many tolerate laundering, but cut performance degrades as fibers wear, fray, or the coating thins. Inspect before each use and retire any glove with cuts, holes, or worn palms, since damage lowers the effective protection below its rated A-level. Always follow the manufacturer's care guidance for wash temperature and cycles.