Over-specifying cut resistance wastes money and often sacrifices dexterity; under-specifying it creates real injury risk and liability exposure. Getting the level right starts with understanding what the numbers actually measure.
ANSI/ISEA 105 vs EN388: Two Different Scales
North American buyers generally spec to ANSI/ISEA 105 (levels A1 through A9, based on the force needed to cut through material with a straight blade). European and many Gulf buyers spec to EN388 (a numeric cut score, historically 1–5, now increasingly reported alongside the newer ISO 13997 test as EN388 has been revised). The two scales are not directly interchangeable one-to-one — always ask for both ratings on a spec sheet if you sell into more than one region, and never assume a supplier’s “Level 5” claim maps cleanly onto ANSI A5.
Matching Cut Level to Task, Not Industry Reputation
“Metal fabrication needs high cut resistance” is true but too vague to spec correctly. The right question is what specific task the hand performs:
- Handling sharp sheet metal edges or glass: ANSI A4–A6 / EN388 Level D–E — HPPE-knit shell with a leather-reinforced palm balances protection and grip.
- General warehouse or light assembly: ANSI A2–A3 — lighter-weight gloves that don’t sacrifice dexterity for tasks with only moderate laceration risk.
- Meat and food processing: ANSI A6+ with food-safe, washable materials — cut resistance and hygiene certification both matter here.
- Welding (MIG/TIG/stick): cut resistance is secondary to heat and spark resistance — a full-grain cowhide or goatskin welding gauntlet is the correct spec, not a cut-resistant knit glove.
The Dexterity Trade-Off
Higher cut levels generally mean thicker, stiffer material — which is why over-specifying is a real cost, not just a budget issue. A worker given A6 gloves for a task that needs fine finger dexterity will often remove them entirely, which is worse than a correctly matched A3 glove that actually gets worn. Match the level to the actual hazard, then optimize for the highest dexterity available at that level.
What a Proper Spec Sheet Should Include
- Cut level under both ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN388/ISO 13997 where relevant
- Shell material (HPPE knit, leather, or hybrid) and palm coating
- Cuff length and closure type
- Sizing range and grading consistency across production batches
Key Takeaways
- ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN388 are different scales — don’t assume a direct numeric equivalence between them.
- Spec cut resistance to the specific task, not a general industry label.
- Over-specifying cut level often reduces dexterity enough that workers stop wearing the glove — matching the actual hazard matters more than maximizing the rating.
- Welding gloves are a heat/spark-resistance spec, not primarily a cut-resistance one.