I keep lots of gloves in our RV – so many that my wife thinks I have a glove hoarding problem and/or fetish. But each pair really does serve a unique purpose. An example is these G&F Kevlar Cut Resistant Gloves (http://goo.gl/SKBvMY) which are designed to protect hands from cuts and abrasions.
At first glance, these gloves looks like ordinary cotton gardening gloves. But closer inspection reveals that they are made of cut resistant Kevlar.
Note that they are cut resistant, not cut proof. If you really wanted to cut these gloves with a sharp knife, you could probably do so. But it would take some effort.
Kevlar offers protection from the sort of small cuts that may happen when handling tools like knives and other blades.
Some people use these gloves while working with wood.
Others like to wear these gloves in the kitchen when using dangerous tools like a Japanese mandolin.
The goal here is to protect one’s hands from sharp edges of metals, ceramics, glass, and other materials.
These particular gloves are studded with PVC dots on both sides that provide excellent grip.
Note that over time the PVC dots can get damaged as you handle heavy objects.
I have worn these Kevlar gloves while working with a chainsaw and handling wood.
I have no illusions that these gloves would offer much protection against a running chainsaw.
However, if the chain were to somehow contact my hands, I’d rather be wearing Kevlar than not be wearing Kevlar.
The Kevlar weave on the glove is rather loose.
This means the gloves are certainly vulnerable to penetration from thorns, splinters, and the like.
One benefit of the loose weave is that the gloves are breathable, helping to keep your hands cool.
But a downside of the weave is that threads of Kevlar are vulnerable to being caught and plucked apart.
After lifting and moving several heavy pieces of wood, I noticed a few fibers pulling away from the fingertips.
For this reason, I believe these Kevlar gloves are best reserved for cutting tasks. Wear different gloves for work (like hauling away the wood you just cut).
Even though these Kevlar gloves resemble work gloves, if you want them to last you’d best not use them in that fashion.
These are cutting gloves, suitable for use in the kitchen or garage. Mine will reside next to my chainsaw.
These Kevlar gloves are reasonably priced.
Sure, there are more durable cut resistant gloves on the market, but they cost much more. If you only use cutting tools on an occasional basis, these will likely suit your needs.
This is cheap insurance against an accident.