Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Kathay Lee
What Are Knife Gloves Called? Your Complete Guide to Cut-Resistant Safety Gear
Do you want gloves that protect against knife cuts? You might feel lost with all the names. What are these gloves called? The answer is easy.
Knife gloves are called cut resistant gloves or cut-proof gloves. These safety gloves protect your hands from sharp blades. They protect you from cutting tools too. They have many names. The name depends on where you use them. It also depends on what type you need.
Let me tell you all about these gloves. I will explain their proper names too.
What Are the Main Names for Knife Gloves?
Cut-Resistant Gloves
This is the best and most used term. Cut-resistant gloves stop cuts from sharp things. These things are knives, razors, and glass. They do not claim to be fully cut-proof. This makes the term honest and right.
Cut-Proof Gloves
Some people call them cut-proof gloves. But this term can trick you. No glove is 100% cut-proof against all sharp things. The term “cut-resistant” is better. These gloves reduce cut risk. They do not remove it fully.
Safety Gloves
Safety gloves is a wide term. It covers many types of protective gloves. This includes cut-resistant gloves. It also includes heat-resistant gloves. It includes chemical-resistant gloves too. It includes puncture-resistant gloves. When someone says “safety gloves,” they might mean any work gloves. These gloves protect your hands.
Protective Gloves
Like safety gloves, this is another wide term. Protective gloves can protect against cuts. They protect against chemicals. They protect against heat and cold. They protect against other dangers. It is a catch-all term. It includes knife gloves as one type.
Specific Names Based on Where You Use Them
Kitchen and Chef Gloves
In pro kitchens, these gloves have special names:
- Chef gloves – Used by pro cooks
- Kitchen safety gloves – General term for food service
- Food-safe cut gloves – Must meet food safety rules
- Butcher gloves – Heavy-duty gloves for meat work
Work and Industry Gloves
In work settings, you will hear these terms:
- Work gloves – General term for job site safety
- Industry safety gloves – For making things and building
- Cut gloves – Simple, direct term used by workers
Tactical and Military Gloves
Military and police use these names:
- Tactical gloves – Often have cut safety plus other features
- Duty gloves – For police and security work
- Combat gloves – Military-specific protective gear
Hobby and Craft Gloves
For hobbies and crafts, you might see:
- Whittling gloves – For wood carving and knife work
- Carving gloves – Similar to whittling gloves
- Craft safety gloves – General hobby protection
Understanding Cut Resistance Levels
Not all knife gloves offer the same safety. They are rated using ANSI/ISEA rules:
- Level A1 – Very small cut safety
- Level A2 – Light cut resistance
- Level A3 – Medium protection
- Level A4 – Good cut resistance
- Level A5 – High protection
- Level A6 – Great cut resistance
- Level A7 – Top protection
- Level A8 – Max cut resistance
- Level A9 – Best protection you can get
Key Features to Look For
Knuckle Protection
Many cutting gloves have knuckle protection. This feature shields the back of your hand. It shields your knuckles from cuts by mistake. Look for strong knuckle areas. This is important if you work with big knives. It is important if you work with dangerous tools.
Thumb Protection
The thumb is often at risk when using knives. Good cut resistant gloves protect your thumb fully. Some gloves have extra strength around the thumb area.
Material Types
Common materials include:
- HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) – Light and flexible
- Kevlar – Strong and heat-resistant
- Steel mesh – Max protection but less flexible
- Glass fiber – Good cut resistance with flexibility
How to Choose the Right Cut-Resistant Gloves
Consider Your Specific Needs
How to Choose the Right Cut-Resistant
- Kitchen work needs food-safe materials
- Industry work might need chemical resistance
- Outdoor work could need weather protection
Check the Fit
Proper fit is key for safety. Gloves that are too loose can catch on tools. Gloves that are too tight reduce skill and comfort.
Look for Quality Certifications
Good safety gloves should meet industry rules. Look for these certifications:
- ANSI/ISEA ratings
- EN 388 European standards
- Food safety approvals (for kitchen use)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Assume All Gloves Are the Same
A thin pair of cutting gloves might not protect against heavy-duty knives. Match the protection level to your specific tasks.
Don’t Ignore Proper Care
Even the best protective gloves need proper care. Follow washing instructions. This maintains their protective properties.
Don’t Forget About Grip
Some cut-resistant materials can be slippery. Look for gloves with textured palms. Look for grip coatings for better tool control.
Industry-Specific Terms You Should Know
Medical and Healthcare
In medical settings, you might hear:
- Surgical cut gloves – For operating rooms
- Medical safety gloves – General hospital use
- Autopsy gloves – Heavy-duty protection for doctors who examine bodies
Food Processing
Large food companies use terms like:
- Food processing gloves – Industry food preparation
- Meat processing gloves – Heavy-duty butcher work
- Deli gloves – Light-duty food service
Frequently Asked Questions
What are knife gloves officially called?
The official term is cut-resistant gloves. This is the most correct name used by safety pros and makers.
Are cut-proof gloves really cut-proof?
No glove is 100% cut-proof. The term cut-resistant is more honest. These gloves reduce cut risk. They do not remove it fully.
What is the difference between safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves?
Safety gloves is a wide term. It covers all protective gloves. Cut-resistant gloves protect against cuts from sharp objects only.
Can I use tactical gloves for kitchen work?
Tactical gloves might work. But check if they are food-safe. Kitchen work needs gloves that meet food safety rules.
Do I need knuckle protection on my cutting gloves?
Knuckle protection helps if you work with big knives. It helps in tight spaces where your knuckles might hit surfaces or blades.
How do I know what cut resistance level I need?
For light kitchen work, Level A2-A3 works well. Heavy industry work might need Level A5 or higher. Think about your specific cutting tasks.
Are whittling gloves the same as other cut-resistant gloves?
Whittling gloves are a type of cut-resistant glove. They are made for wood carving. They often have better skill for detailed work.
Can I wash my cut-resistant gloves?
Most protective gloves can be washed. But follow the maker’s instructions. Some materials lose protection if washed wrong.
Conclusion
Now you know that knife gloves are properly called cut-resistant gloves or cut-proof gloves. The exact name might vary. It depends on where you use them. They are chef gloves in the kitchen. They are work gloves on the job site. They are tactical gloves for law enforcement.
The most important thing is choosing gloves that match your specific needs. Think about the cut resistance level. Think about fit. Think about any special features like knuckle protection or food safety approval.
Remember, no glove gives 100% protection against all cuts. These safety gloves reduce your risk a lot when used properly. Always follow safe handling practices. Do this even when wearing protective gear.