Stab-resistant armour is graded differently from ballistic armour, and the terms can be confusing. Here is what stab and spike protection mean, and how the Level 5 ratings work. Browse stab- and spike-resistant wear as you read.
Stab vs spike, what's the difference?
- Stab (edged) protection is about resisting knives and other bladed weapons.
- Spike protection is about resisting pointed weapons such as needles, spikes and improvised tools, which can slip between fibres differently from a blade.
Some armour is rated for both; always check what a specific item covers.
What do SGS and VPAM mean?
SGS and VPAM are testing bodies and standards used to grade stab and spike resistance. When we list manufacturer-stated SGS or VPAM Level 5, it describes the energy level the item is designed to resist under their test method. As with all ratings on our site, these are manufacturer-stated and not independently verified by us.
Why stab armour is not ballistic
Stab armour is engineered to resist a concentrated point or edge, which is a different problem from absorbing a bullet's energy. A stab vest is not ballistic, and a ballistic vest is not stab-rated. See stab vs ballistic.
Choosing
For everyday knife concern, a covert stab vest worn under clothing is discreet and practical. For slash-only protection in work settings, see cut-resistant gear.
R Supply Store supplies protective equipment with manufacturer-stated ratings that are not independently verified by us. Nothing here is bulletproof against every threat, and this article is general information, not legal advice. Civilian ownership of body armour is legal in England, Wales and Scotland; buyers are responsible for confirming ownership and import legality for their location.