GLOVE GUIDE 02 · CUT PROTECTION
Respect the edge.
How cut-resistant gloves work, how to read the rating, and how to pick the right pair.
Updated October 2026 · By the Murbie Team · 6 min read
3
EDGE MODELS
A1–A9
ANSI CUT SCALE
12+
PAIRS FOR BULK PRICING
Burrs, sheet metal and glass don't give warnings. Hand cuts are among the most common injuries in fabrication, construction and warehouse work.
Cut-resistant gloves cut that risk, but they're not all built the same, and the labels can be confusing. This guide breaks it down.
CONTENTS
THE EDGE RANGE
Aramid shell. Leather where it wears.
Multi-purpose cut-resistant work gloves for fabrication and material handling.
Shop cut-resistant gloves →
01 / How cut protection works
Cut resistance comes from materials a blade struggles to slice through. Most trade gloves combine a cut-resistant shell with leather where the wear happens.
Aramid
The Kevlar family. Strong, light and naturally heat-resistant. Popular for metal handling.
HPPE
High-performance polyethylene, often blended with glass or steel fibre in thin knits.
Steel
Mesh or steel-core yarns for specialist, very high cut hazards.
Leather
Adds grip and abrasion resistance on the palm, fingers and thumb crotch.
02 / Reading the rating
Two rating systems show up on most cut-resistant gloves sold in Canada. Both measure how much force it takes a blade to cut through the glove material in a lab test.
NORTH AMERICA
ANSI/ISEA 105 cut scale
A1–A3 · LIGHT
General assembly, light material handling, cardboard.
A4–A6 · MODERATE–HIGH
Sheet metal, glass handling, metal stamping.
A7–A9 · SEVERE
Heavy sharp-edged metal parts, specialist cutting work.
EUROPE
EN 388:2016 blade cut level
The letter comes from the ISO 13997 blade test, A lowest to F highest. The same pictogram also scores abrasion, tear and puncture resistance.
ASK FOR THE TEST REPORT
A cut level only means something if a lab tested the glove against the standard. Match the level to your employer's hazard assessment. Need a specific certified level? Contact us before ordering.
03 / Match the glove to the job
| JOB | HAZARD | LOOK FOR |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal & fabrication | Burrs, sharp edges | Full-hand cut shell plus leather palm |
| Glass & windows | Long edges, heavy panes | Strong cut protection, secure grip, wrist coverage |
| Material handling | Lumber, rebar, crates | Durable and comfortable enough for all shift |
| Hot parts, near welding | Cuts plus heat | Aramid over many synthetic blends |
General guidance. Always follow your workplace hazard assessment.
04 / Features worth paying for
01
Leather reinforcement
On the palm, fingertips and thumb crotch, where gloves wear through first.
02
Wing thumb
Cut as a separate panel. Moves naturally, less bunching at the base.
03
Cross-stitched fingers
Extra durability at the stress points.
04
Grain or split
Grain leather for feel. Split leather for abrasion resistance at a lower cost.
05 / The Edge range
Every Edge glove uses a cut-and-sewn aramid cloth shell, leather reinforcing the palm, fingers and thumb, cross-stitched fingers and a wing thumb. The difference is the palm leather.
GRAIN · BETTER FEELEdge C1Beige cow grain leather palm
GRAIN · BETTER FEELEdge C2Light green cow grain leather palm
SPLIT · MORE ABRASIONEdge C3Grey cow split leather palm
06 / Care & replacement
Inspect every shift
Cuts, thin spots, holes or worn-through leather mean reduced protection.
Keep oils away
Oils and solvents can break down leather and some fibres.
Replace on schedule
In high-wear jobs, swap pairs regularly instead of waiting for a failure.
SAFETY
Cut-resistant is not cut-proof. And keep gloves away from drills, lathes and other rotating machinery, which can catch a glove and pull the hand in.
07 / FAQ
Are cut-resistant gloves cut-proof?
No. They reduce the risk and severity of cuts, but enough force from a sharp blade, or a powered saw, can still cut through.
ANSI A-levels vs EN 388 letters?
Both come from blade tests on different scales. ANSI/ISEA 105 runs A1 to A9; EN 388:2016 uses A to F. Check which one your safety program specifies.
Do you offer bulk pricing?
Yes, for crews from 12 pairs. Contact us with your quantities.
Protect your hands
Three Edge models for fabrication and material handling. Bulk pricing for crews from 12 pairs.
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