Quick Overview
Not all cut-resistant gloves are created equal. Between ANSI cut levels (A1–A9), yarn blends like HPPE, aramid, or steel-core, and palm coatings (PU, nitrile, latex), it’s easy to get lost. This 2025 guide breaks down the levels, materials, and best uses by industry so you can match risk with the right protection—without sacrificing dexterity, grip, or comfort.
Why Cut-Resistant Gloves Matter in 2025
- Reduce recordable injuries from blades, sheet metal, and glass
- Boost productivity by minimizing laceration downtime
- Meet compliance expectations (OSHA’s hand protection duty under 29 CFR 1910.138)
- Improve confidence handling sharp components
Modern yarns, high-gauge knitting, and advanced coatings deliver higher cut protection with better feel than ever before.
Decoding Cut Levels: ANSI/ISEA 105 (A1–A9)
The ANSI/ISEA 105 scale measures resistance to cutting by a sharp edge. Higher = more protection.
- A1 (200–499 g): Light risks—cartons, light plastics
- A2 (500–999 g): Light/medium—shipping, light assembly
- A3 (1,000–1,499 g): General shop work—light sheet metal
- A4 (1,500–2,199 g): Fabrication, moderate metal/glass handling
- A5 (2,200–2,999 g): Heavier edges, stamping lines
- A6 (3,000–3,999 g): High-risk—blade handling, recycling
- A7 (4,000–4,999 g): Severe hazards—die cutting, high-burr steel
- A8 (5,000–5,999 g): Extreme—thick glass, razor components
- A9 (≥ 6,000 g): Maximum—specialized high-risk tasks
Pro tip: Choose the lowest level that safely covers the hazard. Over-leveling can add cost and reduce dexterity.
Materials 101: What the Glove Is Made Of
HPPE / UHMWPE
Excellent strength-to-weight, cool to the touch, great dexterity. Best for A2–A6 general and precision work. Pair with coatings for grip.
Aramid (e.g., Kevlar®)
Good cut resistance with heat resistance. Great in metalworking/auto where heat + cut hazards coexist.
Glass-Fiber Reinforced Yarns
Efficiently boosts cut scores (A4–A7 composites). Replace gloves if knit is damaged to avoid skin irritation from broken filaments.
Steel-Reinforced Composites
Very high cut in thinner builds (A6–A9). Heavier and conductive; may fatigue hands on long shifts.
Composite Blends
HPPE + glass/steel + elastane blends to balance cut, stretch, and comfort across A4–A7.
Palms & Coatings: Grip, Oils, and Dexterity
- PU: Thin, tactile, best dry grip for precision
- Nitrile: Oil-resistant; foam or micro-foam excels in oily/wet
- Latex: Strong wet grip (non-oil), flexible; consider allergy policies
- Textures: Sandy/crinkle for aggressive grip
- Coverage: ¾ or full-dip adds liquid resistance; less breathability
Match coating to environment: oily parts → foam nitrile; fine assembly → PU; wet (non-oil) → latex or sandy nitrile; heavy liquids → ¾/full-dip.
Dexterity vs. Protection: Finding the Sweet Spot
- Gauge: 15–18g = thinner/more dexterous; 10–13g = tougher
- Fit: Too big snags; too small fatigues
- Cuff: Knit wrist (debris control) vs. safety cuff (quick removal)
- Breathability: High-gauge knits + foam nitrile keep hands drier
Cut vs. Puncture vs. Abrasion
Cut resistance ≠ puncture resistance. Nails/wire ends may require puncture layers or reinforced palms. Abrasion is separate—check EN 388/ANSI abrasion ratings. For strike hazards, consider cut + impact hybrids.
Industries & Recommended ANSI Levels
Metal Fabrication & Stamping
Hazards: sharp burrs, oily parts. Pick A4–A6, foam or micro-foam nitrile; add impact backs if needed.
Glass Manufacturing & Handling
Hazards: edges, shards. Pick A5–A8 composite/steel-reinforced; sandy nitrile grip; add sleeves.
Automotive Assembly
Hazards: trim edges, fasteners, oils. Pick A3–A5; HPPE/PU for precision; foam nitrile for oils.
Construction & Trades
Hazards: sheet metal, flashing, knives. Pick A3–A6 with durable coatings; impact backs for heavy tasks.
Recycling / MRF / Waste Sorting
Hazards: random sharp objects. Pick A6–A9 with puncture layers; impact backs; thicker gauges.
Food Processing & Meat Cutting
Hazards: blades/slicers; hygiene. Pick A4–A7 food-safe HPPE/steel blends; washable, lint-free; follow sanitation rules.
Logistics & Warehousing
Hazards: box cutters, strapping. Pick A2–A3 PU for dexterity; bump to A4 for sharper lines.
Utilities / Oil & Gas / Maintenance
Hazards: mixed edges, oils, pinch points. Pick A4–A6 foam nitrile; add impact protection as needed.
How to Choose (Step-By-Step)
- Identify hazards: blades, edge sharpness, oils/wetness, heat, impact, puncture
- Set the ANSI target: many lines land at A3–A6
- Pick the shell: HPPE blends for cool/dexterous; add glass/steel for higher A-levels
- Select coating: PU (dry/precision), foam nitrile (oils), latex (wet non-oil)
- Dial gauge & fit: high gauge for finesse; true sizing for all-shift comfort
- Field trial with workers: measure incidents, grip, fatigue
- Standardize SKUs: one glove per task/environment
- Train & enforce: inspections, laundering, replacement triggers
Care, Laundering, and Replacement
- Inspect before use: pulled yarns, tears, bald palms, exposed filaments
- Launder: mild detergents; avoid high heat that weakens fibers
- Dry thoroughly: tumble low or air-dry to prevent odors
- Replace when: damage appears, grip is lost, sizing changes after washes
- Hygiene: personal-issue gloves or adequate rotation stock
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-leveling: buying A7–A9 for light work adds cost and reduces dexterity
- Assuming cut = puncture: add puncture layers when nails/needles are likely
- Wrong coating for oils: dry-grip PU on oily lines leads to drops
- One-size-fits-all: tailor SKUs by task
- Skipping sleeves: forearms get cut too—add cut-resistant sleeves
Compliance Snapshot for 2025
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138: Employers must select and require hand protection where hazards exist
- ANSI/ISEA 105: Use A1–A9 ratings for specifying cut performance
- Documentation: keep hazard assessments, glove spec sheets, training, and incident logs
Recommended Lineup (Good / Better / Best)
- Good (A3–A4, HPPE + PU): carton work, light metal/plastic trim, general assembly
- Better (A5–A6, HPPE+glass/aramid, foam nitrile): metal fab, oily parts, sharper edges
- Best (A7–A9, composite/steel-reinforced, sandy/micro-foam nitrile): extreme edges, heavy recycling, thick glass
Add cut-resistant sleeves for forearm coverage.
Conclusion
The right cut-resistant glove is a matchmaking exercise: hazard → ANSI level → shell → coating → fit. Get that sequence right to reduce injuries, improve comfort, and keep productivity high in 2025 and beyond.
Shop by Category
- Cut-Resistant Gloves
- Cut-Resistant Sleeves & Arm Protection
- Coated Work Gloves
- All Work Gloves
- Impact-Resistant Gloves
People Also Ask (FAQ)
What ANSI cut level do I need for general metal fabrication?
Most shops land in A4–A6, depending on burrs, edge thickness, and handling speed. Trial both A4 and A5/6; let incident data decide.
Are thicker gloves always safer?
No. Protection comes from yarn composition and test performance, not just thickness. High-gauge (15–18g) gloves can reach A6+ with excellent dexterity.
What’s the best coating for oily parts?
Foam nitrile or micro-foam nitrile. PU is ideal for dry precision; latex shines in wet (non-oil) tasks.
Do cut-resistant gloves protect against punctures?
Not necessarily. If nails, wire ends, or needles are present, look for puncture-rated layers or reinforced palms.
How often should cut-resistant gloves be replaced?
Replace when you see tears, exposed filaments, bald palms, stretched fit—or after an incident. Follow the manufacturer’s wash-life guidance.
Author Bio
Mick Chan is a Safety Supplies industry professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience. He specializes in OSHA compliance, PPE regulations, and bulk safety product procurement for high-risk industries. Mick earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State LA in 2013 and has been advising companies across California ever since. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Mick understands the safety needs of businesses in diverse urban and industrial environments. His work focuses on bridging safety compliance with practical product solutions for the modern workplace.
External Reference: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 – Hand Protection