Author: The Glove Guru

Joe McGarry - Also known as the Glove Guru Joe formerly founded Polygenex International, Inc. in 1989, the largest specialty knit glove manufacturer in the world at the time. Thousands of companies and users follow his advice on glove manufacturing, or user guidance, and utilize his gloves every day. Joe's specialty is in industrial work and critical environment high-tech gloves. Joe founded Gloves-Online in 1996 to assist consumers needing to locate hard to find gloves and educate consumers about different glove features and benefits. With just over a quarter century of glove experience, he undoubtedly can give you useful and practical glove advice.

Did you know that Disney cartoon characters often wear white gloves?

Posted on by The Glove Guru

It’s a classic feature of many iconic Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Bugs Bunny.

It’s quite interesting why they wear them. One reason, according to Walt Disney himself, was to make the characters look more human. They also provide an extra dimension by providing more attention to their actions rather than their bare hands.

This is also a good reason for you to complete your costume with a pair of white gloves to provide that extra look.

Link> White Gloves

At GO GLOVES, we call it the White Glove treatment

It may also be interesting to note that we have supplied Disney World with a wide range of unique costume gloves for over two decades, and we are very proud of their loyalty to our gloves.

As a footnote, no Santa Claus outfit would be complete without a pair of White Gloves, and we offer them as well.

Link> Santa Claus Gloves

As always, let me know if you have any questions, and thank you for subscribing.

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Butyl gloves offer excellent protection against a wide range of solvents and chemicals.

Posted on by The Glove Guru

Solvents are plentiful in many household and work products and can cause skin damage quickly; therefore, it is essential to protect your hands.

Solvents and chemicals such as disinfectants, super glues, stains, lacquers, varnish removers, and even nail polish removers. These products absorb quickly and can carry other chemicals with them. They denature skin proteins, leading to cracking and dermatitis. They can cross into the bloodstream and impact the nervous system.

Nitrile gloves are suitable for oils and mild solvents, but thin Butyl gloves are the best option for aggressive solvents, such as ketones and strong acids, including acetone.

Butyl gloves offer excellent resistance to these chemicals and most polar solvents. They also provide a slow permeation rate for real-world protection. They are light-weight, flexible, and comfortable for detailed work, and they don’t harden or weaken under solvent use.

Link> Butyl Chemical Resistant Chart

Link> Butyl Chemical Resistant Gloves

Butyl Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

First, we are proud to announce that we have added the Guardian Butyl Glove Line to our vast glove offerings. Guardian is the largest and foremost manufacturer of Butyl Gloves in the world and made in the USA.

You can view our Butyl Glove Lines at the link below.

Butyl Gloves

Butyl Gloves: Properties, Uses, and Safety Considerations

A Comprehensive Guide to Butyl Rubber Gloves

Introduction

Butyl gloves are specialized protective handwear made from butyl rubber, a synthetic elastomer renowned for its outstanding chemical resistance, flexibility, and impermeability. Widely used in laboratories, industrial settings, and hazardous environments, butyl gloves offer a high degree of protection against a broad spectrum of chemicals, making them a crucial component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers exposed to toxic substances. This guide provides an in-depth exploration of butyl gloves, covering their properties, applications, advantages, limitations, care, and selection criteria.

What is Butyl Rubber?

Butyl rubber, also known as isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR), is a synthetic rubber made by polymerizing isobutylene with a small amount of isoprene. Developed in the early 1940s, butyl rubber is prized for its exceptional resistance to gas and moisture permeation. Its unique molecular structure makes it almost impervious to water vapor and many gases, which is why it is frequently used in the production of gas masks, inner tubes, seals, and chemical protective gloves.

Key Properties of Butyl Gloves

  • Exceptional Chemical Resistance: Butyl gloves offer superior protection against a wide array of hazardous chemicals, particularly organic solvents (such as ketones, esters, and alcohols), acids, and bases.
  • Low Permeability: Butyl rubber is highly impermeable to gases and liquids, significantly reducing the risk of dermal exposure to harmful substances. This property makes butyl gloves ideal for work involving volatile chemicals or gases.
  • Flexibility and Comfort: Despite their robustness, butyl gloves are flexible and provide a good level of tactile sensitivity and dexterity, which is essential for handling delicate tasks in laboratory and technical environments.
  • Resistance to Aging and Ozone: Butyl rubber resists degradation from exposure to ozone, UV light, and oxidative aging, ensuring a longer service life compared to many other glove materials.
  • Temperature Tolerance: These gloves remain flexible at low temperatures and maintain their protective properties across a wide thermal range, making them suitable for various conditions.

Common Applications of Butyl Gloves

Butyl gloves are utilized in a variety of industries and settings where chemical hazards are present. Their primary applications include:

  • Chemical Laboratories: Protection against solvent spills, splashes, and accidental exposure to hazardous reagents.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Used during production and handling of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and chemicals that pose dermal risks.
  • Military and Emergency Response: Essential in handling chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and in hazardous material (HAZMAT) response teams.
  • Industrial Cleaning and Maintenance: Protect workers from aggressive cleaning agents, solvents, and acidic or alkaline substances.
  • Aerospace and Automotive Industries: Used during the manufacturing and maintenance of equipment involving hydraulic fluids, fuels, and other chemicals.
  • Medical and Research Facilities: Vital for handling dangerous pathogens or chemicals in controlled environments.

Advantages of Butyl Gloves

  • Comprehensive Chemical Barrier: Butyl gloves provide one of the most effective barriers against a broad range of chemicals, including substances that degrade or permeate other glove materials (such as nitrile, latex, or vinyl).
  • Durability: Resistant to punctures, tears, and abrasion, especially when compared to disposable gloves.
  • Long Shelf Life: Butyl gloves maintain their integrity in storage, especially in cool, dry, and dark conditions.
  • Reusable: Many butyl gloves are designed for reuse, provided they are properly cleaned and inspected after each use.

Limitations and Considerations

While butyl gloves offer excellent protection, there are certain limitations and considerations to be aware of:

  • Mechanical Resistance: Although resistant to punctures, butyl gloves are generally less robust against cuts or abrasions than some other materials, such as neoprene or leather.
  • Cost: Butyl gloves are more expensive than many disposable gloves, reflecting their specialized chemical resistance and durability.
  • Sensitivity to Certain Chemicals: Not recommended for use with hydrocarbons (such as gasoline and mineral oils), as these can degrade butyl rubber.
  • Limited Sizing and Styles: Butyl gloves may not be available in as many sizes, thicknesses, or configurations as more common glove types.
  • Reduced Breathability: Like most chemical-resistant gloves, butyl gloves can retain heat and moisture, potentially causing discomfort during prolonged use.

Selection Criteria: Choosing the Right Butyl Glove

Selecting the appropriate butyl glove involves assessing the specific hazards of your application and considering several factors:

  • Chemical Compatibility: Consult glove manufacturer charts to ensure the chemical resistance of butyl gloves for your intended substances.
  • Glove Thickness: Thicker gloves provide greater protection but may reduce dexterity. Balance protection needs with required tactile sensitivity.
  • Length and Cuff Style: Longer gloves offer extended protection up the arm, which is important when splashes or immersion are possible.
  • Fit and Comfort: Ensure the glove size is appropriate for the wearer to minimize fatigue and maximize dexterity.
  • Reusable vs. Disposable: Determine whether gloves will be discarded after use or if a reusable model is more suitable for your workflow.

Proper Use and Maintenance of Butyl Gloves

To maximize the safety and lifespan of butyl gloves, it is essential to use and maintain them correctly:

  • Inspection: Always inspect gloves for cracks, holes, or signs of degradation before use. Even small defects can compromise protection.
  • Donning and Doffing: Follow proper procedures when putting on and removing gloves to prevent contamination of skin or inner surfaces.
  • Cleaning: For reusable gloves, clean thoroughly with appropriate solutions and allow to dry fully before storage.
  • Storage: Store gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals that may degrade the material.
  • Replacement: Discard gloves that show any signs of damage or have been exposed to chemicals beyond their resistance capacity.

Comparisons with Other Glove Materials

Butyl gloves are often compared with other types of chemical-resistant gloves. Here’s how they stack up against common alternatives:

  • Nitrile: Nitrile gloves offer good protection against a wide range of chemicals and are more resistant to punctures, but are generally less effective against ketones and highly aggressive solvents compared to butyl.
  • Latex: While latex provides excellent elasticity and is suitable for biological hazards, it is less resistant to many chemicals, especially organic solvents, than butyl.
  • Neoprene: Neoprene gloves offer robust mechanical protection and are effective against acids, caustics, and some solvents, but do not match butyl’s performance against ketones or esters.
  • Vinyl: Vinyl gloves are affordable and suitable for low-risk tasks, but offer limited chemical resistance and durability.

Regulations and Standards

Butyl gloves must meet specific safety standards and regulations to ensure their protective efficacy:

  • EN 374 (Europe): Specifies requirements for protection against chemicals and microorganisms.
  • ASTM F739 (USA): Standard test method for resistance of protective clothing materials to permeation by liquids and gases.
  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Recommends appropriate hand protection based on workplace hazards.

Conclusion

Butyl gloves represent a critical defense against chemical hazards, offering unmatched protection in environments where exposure to aggressive substances is a daily risk. Their unique properties—exceptional chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability—make them indispensable in laboratories, manufacturing, emergency response, and more. While they do have some limitations, proper selection, use, and care can ensure maximal safety and longevity.

In summary, when chemical protection is paramount, butyl gloves provide peace of mind and reliable performance, safeguarding workers and supporting safe, efficient operations in challenging environments.

At our Butyl Glove link below, we have included a Butyl Glove Test Chart which can be printed out and posted in your work area as a great reference chart for your employees.

Butyl Gloves

Official Supplier for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration

Posted on by The Glove Guru

This week we are honored and proud to announce that once again we have been selected as the official supplier of ceremony and military dress gloves for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025.

The initial large order for the US Navy Band indicates that it appears that a fair amount of pomp and circumstances are going to be very impressive and grand. It will be very enlightening for us and everyone else to see our white parade gloves on parade throughout the day.

We anticipate seeing orders coming in over the next few days since the gloves must be distributed in advance to hundreds of participants according to the DOD government contracting officials. They simply want to ensure that everyone has their white ceremony gloves ahead of the ceremonies.

The most popular will be our Deluxe Beaded Grip Gloves and our Extra Long Honor Guard Gloves including our Extra Long Winter Cotton & Fleece Lined glove models since it may be a pretty cold day.  The Deluxe Beaded Grip Gloves are normally the most popular for gripping and handling the long rifles and musical instruments. We also offer a beaded model in our extra long models which are also very popular and unique to our special glove offerings.

It is nice to note that we have been well known around the globe for our distinctive white gloves since 1996.

You can see our military glove lines at the links below:

Military Dress Gloves

Military Gloves

If anyone has any questions, please let me know and thank you for subscribing.

Happy Holidays,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Cold Weather Work Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

Cold weather work gloves are obviously a very popular line of work gloves at this time of year, and we are well known for our large diversified and comprehensive options and attributes in selecting a model that works best for your needs and use. These glove options are important since there is simply not one glove model that works best for your needs.

Examples of some thermal glove options are models that offer high visibility at this time of year, cut resistance thermal gloves, thermal waterproof gloves, and gloves with touchscreen compatibility so you don’t have to remove your glove in cold weather to use your phone or a touchscreen device. We also offer a high visibility impact resistant model which is very popular for that rough outdoor work during the winter months.

Another popular cold weather glove option that we offer is two thermal glove liners (black or white) which can be used under your normal pair of work gloves.

Another suggestion is if you prefer a leather cold weather glove model, I prefer pigskin leather gloves since they maintain their suppleness even after drying out after getting wet unlike most cowhide glove models which can get hard after drying out.

Please note that since we have a large selection of glove models, we make it easier to find a model that fits your particular use or attribute. For example, in the cold weather glove link below, you will see a “Special Attributes” near the top of the page and you can simply click on the “looking for option” and a nice drop-down menu will appear, and you can simply click on the glove attribute that you are looking for and only those models will appear on the page.  This is a search option that we use across our entire web site.

I will refrain from listing our various models in this post for brevity, but you will find our Cold weather glove models at the link below.

Link: https://www.gloves-online.com/catalog/cold-weather-work-gloves

I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

A Guide to Cut Resistant Glove Levels

Posted on by The Glove Guru

This is a quick guide to selecting Cut Resistant Glove Levels with a bit more to help you in selecting the right Cut Resistant Glove for your specific needs or work.

Cut Resistant Gloves are commonly used and required for food handling and food processing, manufacturing, and the trade industries to industrial operations such as mining and quarrying. After all, it’s all about safety issues and PPE – Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA) requirements.

I prepared this guide and created a nice chart to minimize any confusion and help our customers in their glove selection. This is because it was only a few years ago that cut resistant gloves only had Five (5) levels of cut resistance standards as required by ANSI. (American National Standards Institute which establishes safety requirements in the USA).

Today, there are Nine (9) levels of cut resistance due to the tremendous advancements in glove material technology. For example, the previous highest level of cut resistance was an A5 which equaled a test up to 3,500 grams. Today, the high cut hazard standard is an A9 which equated to a test up to 6,000 grams. This almost double test of cut weight clearly demonstrates the new advancements in cut resistant gloves.  

Therefore, the new ANSI/ISEA 105 Standard (2016 ed.) includes Cut Level Scores from A1 to A9. The changes include new classifications levels which includes a new scale to determine cut score (commonly referred to as the ANSI cut score), and a revised method for testing gloves to the standard.

I would like to note that we presently do not offer any gloves among the 48 different models that we feature above an A6 rating since I have not been pleased with the dexterity of the higher cut rating models available today. For example, I recently tested a nice thin A9 coated model, but it was too stiff and did not offer the dexterity and flexibility that most users would desire and need for more intricate work. In any case, the A4 models and A5 models have done a nice job all these years offering Medium to Heavy Cut Hazards Levels up to 2,200-gram weight tests.

On that note, I will continue to test newer models and if and when I see a suitable model with those very high cut scores, I will let you know.

ANSI 105 Standard Testing

I will not go into discussing the rigorous straight blade testing methods for brevity here since I believe our glove users are more interested in the actual glove performance rather than how they are tested, so I will leave this topic up to the glove testing gurus at ANSI.

Types of Cut Resistant Gloves

Today, there are many types of cut resistant gloves that offer various types of specific attributes.

These types vary from the cut-proof Stainless Steel Metal Mesh models popular with butcher’s and in food processing operations to simple thin flexible coated knit work gloves that are the most popular. We offer models that are Touch Screen compatible as well as Heat Resistant versions and cut-resistant glove models with added impact resistant features.

Cut Resistant-Glove Attributes

As I mentioned, we offer over 48 different cut resistant glove models so I will not cover all of them here since we have detailed product descriptions on each model on our web site. We also have a nice search function where you can view all the glove models and select an “attribute” in the search function from the “main category listing”. That link is provided below.

New Thin Cut Resistant Glove model

As far as new gloves with new features, I would like to bring your attention to a cut-resistant glove that I discussed late last year.

They are the:

PIP G-Tek Polykor Seamless Nitrile Foam Grip Coated Touch Screen Thin 21 Gauge Cut Resistant Gloves – PIP Model 16-351.

Link to Product ID: WK-CC-16351

I covered these gloves here in the blog posts last December and it may be useful to read that post as to why these have the “newest” and the “thinnest” features coupled together into one model.

Important Links:

Cut-Resistant Glove Models

The link below will take you to a nice PDF file that can be printed out and posted in your place of work which shows all the new ANSI Cut-Resistant Levels along with the typical applications.

GO Gloves ANSI Cut Resistant Chart

Thank you for subscribing and please let us know if you have any questions.

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Glove Chemical Resistant Chart

Posted on by The Glove Guru

We added a handy Glove Chemical Resistant Chart to our Glove Resources Technical Data Section (link below). This chart is a nice guide for selecting the proper glove performance against chemicals. It includes a list of chemicals and the chemical resistance to Latex, Nitrile, Neoprene, and PVC Gloves.

It is the most comprehensive list available and virtually covers every known chemical in a work and household environment.

This chart can be printed out and posted in your workplace as a handy reference for your employees.

Link: Glove Chemical Resistant Chart

Chemical-Liquid Proof Glove Lines  

Below is a handy link to our Chemical and Liquid Proof Gloves. These gloves include Disposable Gloves, and Unsupported and Supported (lined) Glove Models.

A note about our chemical glove selections is that we enhance and purge our inventory annually to include new improved and advanced models and eliminate outdated and redundant models which only confuses buyers.  

Link: Chemical-Liquid Proof Gloves

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Cotton Work Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

Cotton Work Gloves is one of our oldest work glove categories going back over 25 years now. Historically speaking, Cotton Work Gloves were always the most popular work gloves by far along with leather work gloves long before thin coated nylon work gloves hit the glove work scene around 2005.

The most popular cotton work gloves were the familiar Brown Jersey Gloves which remain popular today due to their comfort, durability, and low cost. As a matter of fact, the Brown Jersey Gloves were one of our first models of “work” gloves to be added to our web site back in 1996.

Often overlooked and under-rated, Cotton work gloves range from general purpose work glove models to very high-performance work gloves from intense heat protection to superior cut resistance with the addition of blended aramid fibers such as Kevlar which offer high tensile strength for cut resistance along with heat and flame resistance.

The other big advantage with cotton work gloves is their low cost since they are made from a natural sustainable plant unlike man-made fibers. This is also a nice feature and benefit in today’s quest to become more ecological and environmentally friendly.

Speaking of environmentally friendly gloves, let me also take this opportunity for me to give our popular GO Greens Bamboo Gloves a plug which are also very high-performance work gloves made from bamboo which makes them very Eco-friendly. I would like to add that these gloves were developed by yours truly many years ago and remain one of our top selling work, garden, and chore gloves today.

Cotton Work Glove Applications

Obviously, there are many broad uses and obvious uses for Cotton Work Gloves, but I will mention a few of them as examples.

Besides the normal uses in various household chores both indoors and outdoors, they are widely used in trucking, warehousing, moving companies, hot-mill metal working, glass and ceramics manufacturing, grocery and food stocking, bakeries and pizzerias, general construction and mechanical work, recycling operations, landscaping, foundries and metal casting, forging operations, high heat manufacturing, and these are simply the most popular uses and work applications as some examples. We also carry a few models that are FDA approved for food contact.

Types of Cotton Work Gloves (a few examples)

I am only discussing a few models for some examples to provide you with some insight into the broad range and depth of these cotton work gloves. There are many more types available, and these are just a few examples.

Brown Jersey Gloves

The traditional Brown Jersey Glove is a normal weight cotton glove that is also available with dotted palms for a better grip. Although many are made from 100% cotton, we prefer to sell a model that is blended with a polyester fiber which makes them a bit stronger and extends the life of the glove.

Poly-Cotton Work Gloves

These are standard “form fitting to the shape of the hand” knit cotton gloves with polyester fibers for added strength and long life. There are 100% cotton models available at the same price, but these are a better option for your money. They come in a light weight (13 Gauge) to a medium weight (10 Gauge) to a thicker heavy weight (7 Gauge) model. Keep in mind that these are form fitting models for better dexterity. These models are also used in work related to food contact since they are certified for FDA food handling requirements under 21 CPR – Part 177.

Premium Grade Hot-Mill Glove

These are heavy weight gloves which also offer cut resistance as well as heat resistance up to 500° F. They have an extended protective gauntlet cuff and are commonly used in operations that require a more durable and protective glove.

Heat and Cut Resistant (Blended Cotton) Form Fitting Glove

These are seamless knit “form fitting” gloves that come in many sizes and offer both heat resistance and cut resistance. They protect up to 500° F and offer an ANSI Cut Level A3 Cut Resistance.

Heat and Flame-Resistant Glove

These are heavy weight terry cloth cotton gloves with a gauntlet cuff which is flame retardant and heat resistant up to 450° F. An ANSI rated Level 4 Flame Resistant Glove. It should be noted that these are not certified for TIG or MIG welding operations.

Please note that there are many and numerous types of cotton work glove available and over the years we have reduced our offerings to only the most popular and practical models that cover most everyone’s needs. It also eliminates a lot of confusion when you offer many similar models. This means that we narrow our offerings to make it much easier for you to select a cotton work glove that meets your needs rather than make a mistake. If you don’t see a model that you wish to purchase, please let us know since we have access to many glove models not shown on our web site.

In conclusion, this should provide you with some good examples and information on Cotton Work Glove and you can easily find more product details in each of our product listings in our Cotton Work Glove category which you can easily link to using the link below.

It’s an interesting glove category that many are not familiar with and one that is not routinely promoted by others due to the low costs and low margins in these types of gloves. However, it is our job to keep our customers better informed since we want to be your single source for all your glove needs.

Link: Cotton Work Gloves

Thank you for subscribing and let me know if you have any questions.

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Welding Glove and Garment product line expanded.

Posted on by The Glove Guru

I am pleased to announce that due to customer demand we have recently expanded the depth and range of our product line of Welding Gloves, including the addition of some high-quality Garments. 

Our focus and selections are exclusive to the Caiman and Ironcat welding product line by PIP due to the higher quality and range of product for both TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and Stick Welding Professionals.

Like our expansion a few years ago in the Electrical Glove Safety product line which has led to a dramatic increase in our customer base among electricians and utility companies, we feel that the same increase will occur in our welding segments due to the broader quality of our offerings and our highly affordable pricing.

We’ve sold welding gloves since 1999 and there have been many changes over the years and during this time, we also learned the good and bad of welding gloves. Therefore, our new focus is all about customer satisfaction and we have discontinued selling those low-cost inferior welding gloves.

The most intriguing issue that I have discovered over the years is the many intricate features and details in the Caiman Welding Gloves that many take for granted and are not found in other welding gloves. Simple details like their famous Kontour design (natural anatomical shape of the hand) and Keystone Thumbs for natural ergonomic fit, high dexterity, and comfort which is vital when you are required to wear gloves for longer periods. Another aspect is the extra patches and padding on high wear areas to increase the life of the gloves. I mention these important details since they are not found in competing welding gloves which we used to carry and sell.

It is also important to note that your welding gloves should be stitched with 100% Kevar thread which is abrasion resistant and heat/flame resistant that extends the life of the glove unlike gloves with traditional fibers and threads that will fail when exposed to abrasion, high heat, and sparks.

On that note, you will find that we added some cut resistant welding glove models to our line. It should be noted that the welding process itself doesn’t generally pose any cut or laceration hazard, but the tasks performed prior to and after welding where these hazards can be found such as the general handling of raw materials like sheet metal.

Link: Welding Gloves and Garments

Welding Garments

We have also added some very useful high-quality welding jackets and a nice welding apron to our welding product line. As one professional welding person told me recently, “jackets are the number one product purchased by welders since they really can’t weld without one”.

Link: Welding Garments

As always, let me know if you have any questions and thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Thin Cut Resistant Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

GO Gloves is proud to introduce the “newest” and “thinnest” Cut Resistant Coated Work Gloves available with Touch Screen compatibility.

This is worthwhile reading regarding cut resistant work gloves.

Everyone knows the old colloquial phrase – “Thin is in”. However, this is almost an understatement when it comes to these new thin cut resistant gloves introduced by G-Tek. These gloves offer unparalleled dexterity and deliver ultra lightweight 360° high (Level A5) cut protection.

These new gloves are referred to as the:

G-Tek Polykor Seamless Nitrile Foam Grip Coated Touchscreen Thin 21 Gauge Cut Resistant Gloves – 16-351

Let me give you a little perspective and background on cut resistant gloves for those that may not be familiar with the new 21 Gauge thickness. This is the unique and breakthrough feature in cut resistant glove technology. This is like bare-hands, and they feel like wearing a thin disposable healthcare glove.

For example, going back to the 80’s and early 90’s gloves made with Kevlar fibers was the standard since it provided cut resistance and heat resistance. However, Kevlar was a thick heavy denier dense fiber, and the gloves were a thick 7 gauge and 10 gauge. Some of these models are still made and sold today since thicker gloves are often required in higher heat operations that also require cut resistance. We still sell many of these popular Kevlar gloves. As a footnote, today there are some blends of Kevlar in thinner versions, but the cut resistance is not as high as many thinner, newer cut resistant gloves.

Eventually, with advancements in fiber technology, the industry began to see new cut resistant 13-gauge gloves and recently some newer 15-gauge models which are very thin and becoming very popular. 

Now, with the introduction of these new 21-gauge ultra-thin cut resistant models, they will begin to alter and lead to a new demand in cut resistant gloves. This is my prediction once users learn about these gloves and purchase a few pair.

The additional and most important aspect and feature of these new gloves is that they offer an astonishing ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Level A5 Cut Protection. To put this level of cut protection in perspective, most thin coated cut resistant gloves test in with a cut resistance around A3 which is also nice but obviously A5 is much better and preferred. Normally, A5 cut resistant gloves or higher are only offered in heavier and much thicker cut resistant work gloves.

The proprietary fiber is an HPPE fiber (High Performance Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polyethylene-based fiber. 

The other nice feature is the ultra-thin Foam Nitrile coating, is so thin and breathable and durable that it acts as a second skin, and designed with a cell structure that disperses fluids on contact for an improved grip. Additionally, nitrile also offers some great protection to most common chemicals.

Additional features in this new model include the handy Touchscreen compatibility feature which allows you to operate a touch screen phone or device without removing the gloves. And, from a design aspect these models also have reinforced thumb crotch which provides longer wear life and increased protection to a very vulnerable high wear area.

A knit wrist helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the glove and the black color hinders looking soiled.

They also come in unisex sizes from XS-XXL.

Product Link: G-Tek Polykor WK-CC-16351 Gloves

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru