Stab Proof Vest Testing

Any armour / body protection type utility put forward for either knife (KR) resistance testing, or knife / spike (KR + SP) resistance testing, must be designed to meet one of the three protection levels listed below:

Stab Vest Threat Levels

KR1 or KR1+SP1
This is the lowest level of protection allowed and is tested at a performance level of 24 joules of energy. Protective armour at this level should offer general duty garment potential for extended wear in medium risk environments and would suit covert or overt usage.

KR2 or KR2+SP2
This is the medium protection level and is tested at a performance level of 33 joules. This level should offer a lesser degree of comfortable wear time but in higher risk environments. Protective armour of this level would usually be worn overtly.

KR3 or KF3+SP3
This is the high protection level and is tested at a performance level of 43 joules. This level should offer a much shorter period of comfortable wear time with suitability within higher risk environments. Protective armour of this level would usually be worn overtly.