null

The Best Cut-Resistant Gloves for Metal & Industrial Work by Radians

Feb 4th 2026

Posted by Nicole

The Best Cut-Resistant Gloves for Metal & Industrial Work by Radians

Cut resistant gloves are one of the single most critical pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) in industrial environments. Whether you work in metal fabrication, automotive assembly, utilities, or general manufacturing, the right glove can prevent serious injuries, improve productivity, and reduce long-term injury costs.

 

Radians cut-resistant gloves stand out in industrial PPE because they combine advanced materials — like HPPE fibers and tungsten reinforcement — with ANSI/ISEA 105 certified performance levels. In this guide, we’ll explain what cut levels mean, why the Radians RWG series excels, and exactly when to use each glove model.

What are ANSI Cut Levels (and Why They Matter)

Understanding ANSI cut levels for cut resistance standards.

ANSI cut levels are determined through standardized testing that measures how well a glove resists cutting forces. Higher numbers mean higher resistance against sharp edges and blades.

 

During the test, a straight-edge blade is drawn across the glove material under a specified weight. The goal is to determine the exact amount of force. This data-driven approach ensures that safety managers aren't just guessing based on the thickness of a glove, but are relying on verified mechanical resistance.

 

The higher end of the spectrum, specifically the A4 through A9 range, represents a significant leap in engineering. Gloves rated at A4 are often the "sweet spot" for general construction and metal stamping, offering a balance of dexterity and protection. As you move into the A6 to A9 range, the resistance increases significantly. These levels are critical for high-hazard industries like glass manufacturing, heavy metal fabrication, and meat processing, where even a slight slip with a blade could result in a catastrophic injury.

Why Choose Radians Cut-Resistant Gloves?

Radians gloves are recognized in industrial PPE programs for a combination of features that matter in real-world conditions:

 

✔ HPPE Fiber Technology – High-performance polyethylene (HPPE) provides a strong yet lightweight cut barrier.

✔ Tungsten Reinforcement – Used in higher levels (A6, A9) for additional durability and protection.

✔ Varied Coating Options – Foam nitrile, PU, and sandy nitrile coatings add grip, abrasion resistance, and versatility across work environments.

✔ ANSI/ISEA 105 Certified – Independent testing ensures trustworthy cut resistance.

✔ Comfort + Dexterity – Breathable liner materials and ergonomic design support long-wear comfort and control.

Radians RWG Series: Glove Breakdown & Recommended Uses

RWG571 — ANSI A4 Foam Nitrile

Designed for general manufacturing and material handling, this lightweight glove balances cut resistance with comfort for all-day wear.

RWG572 — ANSI A4 PU Coated

This glove is Ideal for precision assembly and inspection tasks where tactile sensitivity and controlled grip are critical in a working enviroment.

RWG579 — ANSI A6 Tungsten

Built for metal handling and higher cut-risk environments, featuring tungsten fibers and dotted foam nitrile for enhanced abrasion resistance.

RWG590 — ANSI A9

Engineered for extreme cut hazards, offering maximum ANSI A9 protection with a rugged sandy foam nitrile coating for aggressive grip.

How to Choose the Right Cut-Resistant Glove

1. Assess Cut Risk:

 

- Mild / incidental risk → A4

 

- Moderate risk → A6

 

- Severe / constant risk → A9

2. Evaluate Grip Needs:

 

  • - Oily environments → Foam or sandy nitrile

  •  

  • - Precision tasks → PU

 

3. Consider Wear Time:

 

  • - All-day wear → Breathable liner + flexible coating

  •  

  • - Intermittent work → Heavier coating acceptable

 

4. Match to Task:

 

  • - High dexterity tasks → PU coating

  •  

  • - Heavy handling → Foam or sandy nitrile with reinforcement

 

Radians cut-resistant gloves offer a complete spectrum of industrial hand protection, from general purpose tasks to extreme cut hazards. Choosing the right glove means balancing cut resistance, grip performance, comfort, and the specific demands of your work environment.

 

By understanding cut levels — and the strengths of each Radians model — safety professionals and procurement teams can make informed, confidence-based decisions that protect workers and support operational efficiency.

 

Read more