ANSI Cut Resistance Levels A1

A cut-resistant glove may look simple, but its label can contain several ratings, test methods and performance claims. For PPE buyers, the main challenge is not finding the highest number. Instead, the challenge is matching a verified cut level with the blade hazard, grip, dexterity, wear time and other risks in the task.

The current American hand-protection standard is ANSI/ISEA 105-2024. It classifies cut resistance from A1 to A9, based on the force needed to cut through a material during a set laboratory test. A1 starts at 200 grams-force, while A9 starts at 6,000 grams-force.

However, no cut level makes a glove cut-proof. The rating covers a defined test with a smooth blade. It does not represent powered blades, serrated tools, needles, puncture, crushing or every real work condition.

This guide explains each ANSI cut resistance level, the current 2024 label and a practical selection process. It also separates legal duties from voluntary standards and common workplace practice.

What Are ANSI Cut Resistance Levels?

ANSI cut resistance levels are performance bands within ANSI/ISEA 105-2024, American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification. The standard covers hand and arm protection and classifies several properties, including cut, abrasion and puncture resistance. It also addresses selected chemical and heat properties.

For cut resistance, the A1–A9 scale shows the measured force at which a blade cuts through the test material over a set distance. A higher level means the sample resisted a higher force during that test.

Therefore, the rating helps buyers compare tested materials on a common scale. Nevertheless, it does not choose the glove for the employer. The buyer must still assess the task, the edge, the force, the worker’s movements and the other hazards.

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024: What Changed?

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 is the sixth edition of the voluntary consensus standard. It replaced the 2016 edition.

According to the International Safety Equipment Association, or ISEA, the 2024 update did not make major changes to the A1–A9 cut levels or test methods. Instead, the biggest change concerns product marking.

The 2024 edition uses a standard pentagon label layout:

the cut rating appears at the top centre;
the abrasion rating appears on the left;
the puncture rating appears on the right; and
an X can replace a rating when the property was not tested or does not apply.

This common layout helps workers and buyers find key data more quickly. In addition, ISEA says websites, white papers and technical documents should include the year when they name ANSI/ISEA 105-2024.

Do not describe a glove as “ANSI certified” unless a valid conformity claim specifically supports that wording. ANSI does not manufacture, approve or certify the glove. Instead, name the full standard and verify the manufacturer’s test and conformity documents for the exact model.

How the ANSI Cut Test Works

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 uses ASTM F2992-23 for cut resistance. The laboratory mounts a sample and moves a straight blade across it under controlled loads with a tomodynamometer. The result reflects the load needed to cut through the material with 20 mm of blade travel.

The result uses grams-force, written as gf. Grams-force measures force, not the weight of the glove. For example, an A4 result begins at 1,500 gf. It does not mean the glove weighs 1,500 grams.

The method gives buyers a consistent way to compare material performance. However, ASTM states that the test does not represent serrated edges, saw blades, motorised cutting tools, puncture, tear or other ways that material can fail.

Also, the test usually applies to a sample taken from a defined area of the glove. Therefore, buyers should check whether the claimed protection covers the palm, fingers, back of hand, cuff or only a specific zone.

ANSI Cut Level Chart: A1 to A9

The table below shows the official A1–A9 threshold bands used in ANSI/ISEA 105-2024.

ANSI cut level	Cut resistance range	General hazard direction	Example tasks to assess
A1	200–499 gf	Very light cut exposure	Basic packaging, light parts handling, paper or cardboard work
A2	500–999 gf	Light cut exposure	Warehouse work, general assembly, plastic parts and light sharp edges
A3	1,000–1,499 gf	Light-to-medium cut exposure	Small metal parts, maintenance, light construction and rough-edged components
A4	1,500–2,199 gf	Medium cut exposure	Sheet materials, HVAC, electrical work, canning and light glass handling
A5	2,200–2,999 gf	Medium-to-high cut exposure	Metal fabrication, glass handling, appliance work and sharp component handling
A6	3,000–3,999 gf	High cut exposure	Sharp sheet metal, recycling, heavy fabrication and selected food processing
A7	4,000–4,999 gf	High cut exposure	Metal stamping, heavy glass, recycling and sharp industrial parts
A8	5,000–5,999 gf	Very high cut exposure	Heavy sharp steel, glass manufacturing and high-force edge handling
A9	6,000 gf and above	Highest ANSI cut band	Extreme cut exposure that demands a full risk-control plan

These examples support an initial shortlist. However, the standard does not assign a mandatory glove level to each job title. The actual level depends on the edge, force, movement, contact area, frequency and consequences of failure.

Moreover, a result near the bottom of one band may differ only slightly from a result near the top of the band below. Therefore, buyers should review the full test data where the difference matters.

What Each ANSI Cut Level Means in Practice

A1 to A3: light cut hazards

A1 to A3 gloves may suit work with paper, cardboard, plastic parts, packaging, small components and light rough edges. These tasks often need good fingertip feel and fast hand movement.

For example, an assembler who handles small clips may gain more from a thin A2 or A3 glove with good grip than from a bulky high-level glove. However, the employer should first remove exposed blades and improve handling methods where practical.

Do not assume that A1 means “no protection.” It meets the first defined ANSI cut band. Nevertheless, it may offer too little resistance for sheet metal, broken glass or high-force edges.

A4 to A6: medium to high cut hazards

A4 to A6 gloves often appear in construction, HVAC, appliance production, automotive work, metal fabrication, glass handling and food processing. This range can offer a useful balance between cut resistance and working control.

Yet the level alone does not define performance. A smooth dry part, an oily steel panel and a wet glass sheet need different coatings and grip. Likewise, a glove for food work may need different hygiene and material controls from a glove for welding preparation.

Therefore, compare the liner, coating, cuff, fit and other test ratings along with the cut level.

A7 to A9: very high cut hazards

A7 to A9 gloves target severe cut exposure, such as sharp metal stamping, heavy fabrication, glass manufacturing, recycling and selected blade-handling tasks. These ratings show high resistance in the ASTM cut test.

However, they do not permit hand contact with an operating blade. Machine guards, tools, fixtures, cut-resistant sleeves and safe work methods remain essential. In addition, some tasks may require ring-mesh protection or a specialist glove rather than a coated knitted glove.

An A9 glove also cannot stop every sharp object. It may still fail under a pointed tip, a saw tooth, very high force or repeated damage. Therefore, treat A9 as the highest test band, not as a guarantee against injury.

Work examples for ANSI A1 to A3 A4 to A6 and A7 to A9 cut-resistant gloves

ANSI Cut Level Is Only One Part of Glove Selection

Edge type and cutting action

A smooth sheet-metal edge creates a different hazard from a knife point, burr, wire strand or saw tooth. First, identify how contact may happen. Then consider the likely force, speed and direction.

For powered or serrated blades, gloves may create false confidence or an entanglement risk. Therefore, use guarding, isolation, tools and safe distance as the main controls.

Grip and coating

Poor grip can make a worker squeeze harder or drop a sharp item. As a result, the palm coating matters almost as much as the liner.

PU coatings often support dry precision work. Foam nitrile may suit light oil, while more complete nitrile coatings can add liquid resistance. However, a coated cut glove does not automatically become a chemical-resistant glove. Chemical permeation data must support that use.

Dexterity, fit and size

An oversized glove can bunch at the fingertips, while an undersized glove can restrict movement and stress the liner. Therefore, offer suitable sizes and check fit during real hand movements.

Higher protection can sometimes add thickness or stiffness. Modern yarns may reduce this trade-off, but buyers should still run a wearer trial. A glove only protects when workers can and will use it correctly.

Coverage

Many gloves focus protection on the hand. Yet sharp sheet, glass and cable can also cut the wrist or forearm. In these cases, review cuff length or add a compatible cut-resistant sleeve.

Make sure the glove and sleeve overlap during movement. In addition, confirm that the sleeve does not create an entanglement hazard.

Abrasion and puncture

Cut, abrasion and puncture ratings measure different properties. A high cut level does not prove strong puncture resistance. Likewise, a durable coating does not prove high cut resistance.

The 2024 pentagon layout displays these ratings separately. Therefore, read all three positions and treat an X as “not tested or not applicable,” not as a high or low score.

Impact, heat, cold and chemicals

Oil and gas work may also need back-of-hand impact protection. Foundries may need contact-heat or flame performance. Cold stores need thermal insulation, while chemical tasks require permeation and degradation data.

Consequently, never select a glove from the cut score alone when another hazard can cause the main injury.

Cleanliness and special environments

Food production, cleanrooms and electronics sites may control lint, contamination, food contact or electrostatic discharge. These needs can change the suitable yarn, coating and cleaning process.

Therefore, define special site requirements before ordering. A general cut-resistant glove may not meet them.

ANSI/ISEA 105, OSHA and Workplace Law

ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 is a voluntary consensus standard. It supplies test methods, classifications and markings; it does not replace workplace law.

In the United States, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 requires employers to select and require suitable hand protection when workers face hazards such as severe cuts, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns or harmful temperature extremes. It also requires employers to base selection on the glove’s performance, the task, site conditions, wear time and identified hazards.

As a result, OSHA states the legal duty, while ANSI/ISEA 105 can help employers compare performance. A high cut rating alone does not prove full OSHA compliance.

Outside the United States, an employer or project may accept ANSI/ISEA ratings as a purchasing reference. However, local PPE laws, national standards and contract rules still apply. Buyers in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and other markets should confirm local acceptance for the exact use.

For products sold in the European Union, Regulation (EU) 2016/425 sets legal design, manufacture and conformity rules for PPE. EN 388 markings often use a different mechanical-risk system. Therefore, an ANSI A-level and an EN cut letter should be read as separate test claims rather than converted through a simple table.

ANSI A1–A9 vs EN 388 Cut Ratings

Buyers often see both markings on one glove. This can help when a business serves several markets, but it can also create confusion.

ANSI/ISEA 105 uses A1–A9 for cut resistance and reports bands in grams-force under ASTM F2992. EN 388 commonly shows an ISO cut letter from A to F as part of a wider mechanical-risk marking. The scales use different bands and test systems.

Therefore:

do not call EN Level F “the same as ANSI A9”;
do not convert a result without the supporting test report;
check which edition appears on the product and certificate;
confirm whether the rating covers the exact model and size range; and
follow the legal and project specification for the destination market.

A rough marketing comparison may help create a shortlist. Nevertheless, only the declared test result and accepted conformity documents can support a formal specification.

How to Choose the Right ANSI Cut Level

Step 1: Describe the task

List the exact item, hand movement and point of contact. “Metal handling” is too broad. Instead, state whether the worker lifts finished panels, removes sharp offcuts, changes a slitter blade or sorts scrap.

Step 2: Identify the edge and force

Next, inspect the edge. Note burrs, points, broken surfaces, blade movement and the force a worker may apply. Also consider whether the part can shift or fall.

Step 3: Apply higher-level controls

Remove sharp edges where possible. In addition, use machine guards, jigs, clamps, lifting aids, deburring and safe disposal containers. PPE should support these controls.

Step 4: Set the performance needs

Choose an initial cut range from the risk. Then add abrasion, puncture, impact, heat, cold, chemical, ESD or food-contact needs.

Step 5: Select material, coating and coverage

Match the liner and coating to the surface and work area. Also decide whether the worker needs a longer cuff or sleeve.

Step 6: Run a wearer trial

Give trained users the shortlisted sizes and models. Ask them to test grip, finger control, comfort, sweating, cuff position and compatibility with tools. However, keep the trial within a safe and controlled work method.

Step 7: Check life and cost per use

Finally, track wear, laundering, damage and replacement. A cheaper glove that loses grip or fails early may cost more per safe task. Conversely, a premium glove only adds value when its performance suits the work.

Seven-step process for selecting the correct ANSI cut-resistant work gloves

Cut-Resistant Glove Procurement Checklist

Before approving a glove, confirm:

The risk assessment names the actual sharp object and cutting action.
Guards, handling tools and other higher-level controls are in place.
The requested standard includes the correct edition: ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 where specified.
The A1–A9 claim matches the exact glove model.
The supplier provides a relevant test report or conformity evidence.
The 2024 label shows cut, abrasion and puncture positions clearly.
An X is treated as not tested or not applicable.
The glove also meets the grip, abrasion and puncture needs.
Chemical, heat, cold, impact, food or ESD claims have separate support.
Protection covers every exposed hand or arm area.
Sizes allow a close but comfortable fit.
The worker can handle tools and controls safely.
The glove does not add an entanglement risk near moving machinery.
Cleaning and reuse follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The site defines damage checks and replacement limits.
Any substitution receives technical approval before supply.

In addition, compare the delivered marking with the approved sample. Similar colours and coatings do not prove the same cut rating.

Common Mistakes When Reading ANSI Cut Ratings

Choosing the highest level for every job

More cut resistance can add cost, warmth or bulk. Therefore, use the level that controls the assessed risk while maintaining safe grip and movement.

Calling a glove cut-proof

No glove makes hands immune to sharp objects. Instead, use “cut-resistant” and explain the test level and limits.

Confusing grams-force with glove weight

The gf value describes the force in the cut test. It does not describe product weight, thickness or comfort.

Ignoring the other two numbers

The 2024 pentagon can also show abrasion and puncture levels. Consequently, read the complete marking rather than only the A-level.

Treating an X as zero

An X means the property was not tested or does not apply. It does not mean the product received the lowest score.

Converting EN and ANSI ratings directly

The systems use different bands and test routes. Therefore, compare verified reports instead of using an assumed one-to-one conversion.

Using gloves around exposed rotating parts

A glove can catch in rotating equipment. Guard and isolate machinery, and follow the task risk assessment before deciding whether workers should wear gloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ANSI A9 the best cut-resistant glove?

A9 is the highest ANSI cut band, but it is not automatically the best glove for every task. The best choice also needs suitable grip, fit, coverage, puncture resistance and dexterity.

Does ANSI A4 protect against knives?

An A4 sample resists 1,500–2,199 gf in the ASTM F2992 cut test. However, that result does not guarantee protection against every knife action, point or force. Assess the actual blade task and use other controls.

Can I compare an ANSI A5 glove with an EN Level D glove?

You can review both results, but you should not assume they are equal. Check the test reports, editions and exact model because ANSI and EN use different rating bands.

Do cut-resistant gloves protect against needles?

Not necessarily. The smooth-blade cut test does not measure needlestick resistance. Select a product with test data for the puncture or needle hazard in question.

Can workers wash and reuse cut-resistant gloves?

Some products allow washing, while others have set care limits. Therefore, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect the glove after cleaning. Remove any glove with cuts, holes, worn coating, loose fibres or other damage that can reduce safety.

SAFETYWARE Products and Solutions

SAFETYWARE offers a broad cut-resistant glove range for metal, glass, construction, logistics, food, electronics and industrial work. The range includes SAFETYWARE-branded knitted, coated, precision, ESD and ring-mesh options, as well as selected international brands.

Buyers should start with the risk and required standard. In particular, do not infer an ANSI A-level from an EN 388 letter. If a project specifies ANSI/ISEA 105-2024, request the exact ANSI test and marking evidence for the chosen model.

VERSACUT for general cut and abrasion exposure

SAFETYWARE VERSACUT VSC02 uses a 13-gauge HPPE-blend liner, a PU palm coating and an EN Level C cut claim. Therefore, buyers may assess it for tasks that need grip and finger control as well as cut resistance.

SAFETYWARE VERSACUT VSC01 uses an uncoated 10-gauge HPPE-blend liner and carries an EN Level D cut claim. Its official page lists glass handling, metalwork, construction, manufacturing and assembly among the intended areas. Nevertheless, confirm the exact task, fit and current documents before approval.

SENSICUT for fine handling

SAFETYWARE SENSICUT SSC01 uses a thin 21-gauge cut-resistant liner and carries an EN Level D cut claim. It targets work that needs sensitivity and may also serve as a liner in a suitable glove system. However, the outer glove and combined system still need review for the final hazard.

ULTRACUT for high EN cut performance

SAFETYWARE ULTRACUT ULS01 uses an 18-gauge HPPE-blend liner, a PU palm coating and an EN Level F cut claim. Meanwhile, ULTRACUT ULS02 adds an S-Touch palm coating and a reinforced thumb crotch for tasks that need grip and wear resistance.

For wetter or oilier handling, SAFETYWARE ULTRACUT ULS03 uses a double nitrile coating and carries an EN Level F cut claim. Still, oil and water repellence do not prove chemical permeation resistance. Use a chemical-glove assessment where contact with hazardous substances may occur.

Specialist ESD and ring-mesh options

SAFETYWARE FLEXIPLUS-ESD+ FP230 combines a cut-resistant HPPE/carbon-blend liner with an ESD-focused design for selected electronics and clean work. Buyers should verify both the cut and ESD performance required by their process.

For selected knife and food-processing tasks, SAFETYWARE BLADEARMOR SS500 uses AISI 304L stainless-steel ring mesh and lists EN 1082 certification on its official page. Ring mesh has a different design and test route from knitted ANSI A1–A9 gloves. Therefore, choose it from the knife task and hygiene plan rather than an assumed ANSI conversion.

Finally, buyers can explore all SAFETYWARE hand and arm protection or send a product enquiry. Share the sharp object, task, force, surface condition, required standard, sizes and order quantity to support a more useful shortlist.

Image placement marker: Place Image 6 before the conclusion to introduce the SAFETYWARE cut-resistant glove families in a consultative way.

SAFETYWARE SENSICUT VERSACUT ULTRACUT FLEXIPLUS ESD and BLADEARMOR glove solutions

Conclusion

ANSI cut resistance levels give buyers a clear scale from A1 to A9. A1 begins at 200 gf, while A9 begins at 6,000 gf. The current ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 edition also standardises how cut, abrasion and puncture ratings appear on a pentagon label.

However, the number is only one part of safe selection. First, assess the sharp object and cutting action. Next, apply guards, tools and safer handling methods. Then match the cut level with grip, fit, coverage, dexterity and every other hazard.

Finally, verify the exact model, standard edition, test evidence and marking before purchase. This process helps employers choose protection that workers can use safely instead of simply buying the highest rating.

Sources and References

Information and source status checked on 14 September 2026.

📞 Need More Information?

Looking for Reliable Cut Resistance Gloves?

Explore SAFETYWARE’s safety shoes and workplace PPE range at
👉Safetyware Catalogs

Our safety specialists can help evaluate workplace hazards, recommend suitable safety helmets, and support compliance with Malaysia workplace safety requirements.

If you need a quotation, feel free to contact us at:
📩 Email: [email protected]
📞 Tel: WhatsApp Us