What ANSI cut level do most people need?

ANSI A4 covers the most common real cut hazards - metal edges, glass, and sharp parts. A1-A3 suits general handling and assembly, while A6 and up is for sheet metal, fabrication, and blade-adjacent work.

For most jobs, yes. A9 is built for the most severe hazards like heavy burred steel and glass handling. With a graphene liner the penalty is price rather than bulk, so choose it when the hazard justifies it.

What do ANSI cut levels actually measure?

ANSI/ISEA 105 rates how many grams of blade force a material withstands in the TDM-100 test, from A1 (200-499 grams) up to A9 (6,000 grams or more).

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What ANSI cut level do I need?

4 min read · Updated July 7, 2026

“ANSI A4” means nothing if no one tells you what A4 protects against. Here's how the scale works and how to pick the right level without over- or under-buying.

How the ANSI cut scale works

ANSI/ISEA 105 is the North American standard for cut resistance. A machine drags a blade across the glove material under load, and the grams of force needed to cut through determine the rating - from A1 (200-499 grams) up to A9 (6,000+ grams).

Higher numbers mean more cut resistance, but also, usually, more material. The goal isn't the highest number - it's the right number for your sharpest regular task, with the most dexterity you can keep.

Matching level to the job

A1-A3: general handling, assembly, warehouse, and light-duty work where nicks, not lacerations, are the risk.

A4-A5: metal handling, glass, parts assembly, and automotive work - the most common 'real cut hazard' range.

A6-A7: sheet metal, stamping, and fabrication, where edges are sharp and constant.

A8-A9: the most severe hazards - heavy or burred steel, recycling, and blade-adjacent work.

Why graphene changes the math

Traditionally, going up a cut level meant a thicker, stiffer glove. A graphene-enhanced liner hits a given cut rating with less bulk, so you can choose a higher level without giving up the dexterity to handle fasteners, tools, and touchscreens.