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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are questions most often asked of the technical team at DuPont™ Kevlar® about puncture-resistant technology.

What kinds of attacks will body armor with puncture-resistant technology stop?

Specifically designed to defeat puncture and stab attacks, Kevlar® Correctional™ helps protect against the type of threats that correctional officers regularly face—including spikes, awls, shanks and inmate-made knives. This technology uses superfine fibers woven very tightly together. When struck by sharp instruments (not including commercially made knives such as stilettos), these fibers not only absorb and dissipate the energy of the penetration—they also prevent the stabbing instrument from pushing the fibers apart to enter the body armor.

Will puncture-resistant vests also stop bullets?

Kevlar® Correctional™ fiber has been specifically designed to only stop puncture and stab attacks from homemade weapons. However, it can be combined with bullet-resistant Kevlar® technology to provide law enforcement officers with protection against an even wider range of threats. This Kevlar® MTP™ Technology defends against multiple threats, including firearms, commercially manufactured knives and puncture-producing weapons (such as ice picks). It is the first specifically engineered technology to counter threats from all three weapon types in a concealable soft body armor.

How are puncture-resistant vests tested?

The National Institute of Justice has recently issued the NIJ0115.00 standard for the stab resistance of body armor. This tests against two different types of threat (edged blade and ice picks) and three different energy levels (minimum, medium and maximum).

Kevlar® Correctional™ vests are the first systems to pass NIJ Stab Standard 0115.00 at all protection levels.

What are the key questions to ask before selecting a puncture-and stab-resistant vest?

The questions should include:

  • Is the vest flexible, breathable, lightweight and soft enough for comfortable wear, with maximum coverage of the body?
  • Will the vest buckle, bulge or restrain my freedom of movement when I bend, sit or move?
  • Does the vest work for or against the officer during an assault? Once the officer is in a ground situation, will the vest bulge out due to its stiffness, causing opening along the areas of protection?
  • Will the vest wrinkle easily or permanently to cause performance problems?
  • Does the vest have a proven track record, with references from correctional officers?