Explanation of NIJ standard 0115.00 against knives and spikes

This article explains individual stab-proof levels and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that your stab-proof vest has been tested to and complies with NIJ Standard 0115.00, as a single stab can be fatal.

NIJ Standard 0115.00, developed by NIJ in collaboration with the UK’s Police Scientific Development Branch (PSDB), is the benchmark standard for stab-proof vests.

“NIJ standard 0115.00 is made as a minimum requirement for body armor, which focuses on knives and spikes that you can be exposed to at work. Particular attention is given to the fact that a vest tested according to NIJ standard 0115.00 must be able to stop the highest quality of the knives that can be purchased at the local sports shop. In addition, NIJ has chosen to use the same test method for the spike, as for the knife, where this is different for the HOSDB standard from the UK.”

These are the precepts of NIJ standard 0115.00, ensuring you a stab-proof vest that stops the threats you may be exposed to.

NIJ Standard 0115.00 is relatively straightforward and far less complex than the bulletproof NIJ Standard 0101.06. This article will cover the essential processes of the standard.

What stab proof level should I go for?

There are 3 stab proof levels: Level 1, 2 and 3, the latter being the strongest stab-proof level.

• Level 1 is the lowest stab-proof level and is best suited for vests that can be concealed below clothing.
• Level 2 is mainly used for overt body armor, for example to police or military.
• Level 3 is used mainly in high risk areas, such as prison staff or police. This is the highest and most powerful stab-proof level.

Stab-proof level 2 and 3 are often used for covert vests as the stab-proof vest often becomes thick and hard to conceal below clothing.

How much does each stab-proof level stop?

The foundation of NIJ Standard 0115.00 and its three stab resistance levels is based on a study by the PSDB, which examined the force an average person could exert using various stabbing techniques.

The lowest stab-proof level (1) corresponds to 85 percentile, level 2 equals 90 percentile, and level 3 equals 96 percentile.

For both knives and spikes an E1 press and an E2 press is required. E1 corresponds to the percentiles described above where the edged blade maximum can penetrate the stab-proof vest with 7 mm.

This is because the internal organs will not get hurt and it will only be a superficial scare. The E2 pressure has increased by 50%, and needs to ensure that body armor doesn’t completely fail at higher pressure. The E2 press cannot penetrate the stab-proof vest by more than 20mm.

NIJ standard 0115.00

Spike and blades are both allowed to penetrate with the following:

• E1 drop maximum penetration is 7 mm
• E2 drop maximum penetration is 20 mm

There are 2 different knife blades and 1 spike.

The knives and the spike used in NIJ standard 0115.00 are custom-made engineered edged blades and a spike that can be stabbed in a wooden block multiple times without taking any damage.

The difference between the knives blades are the edged sides. The first knife is only edged on one side, and the other test blade is a double edged blade.

A stab-proof vest has to tested according to NIJ standard 0115.00

When purchasing a stab-proof vest, it should be tested to at least one recognized stab resistance standard, such as British HOSDB, VPAM KDIV2004, or NIJ Standard 0115.00. These testing methods are similar in approach, with Level 1 typically set around 24 joules, offering reliable protection against common knives and spikes.

Please note that NIJ Standard 0115.00 includes testing with two different knives and one spike. However, many stab-proof vests are not tested against all three blades; they are often tested only with knives or only with the spike. To stop all three threats effectively, the vest’s construction must be specifically designed for this range of protection.

Avoid any stab-proof vests that are labeled as such but have not been tested to recognized standards like those mentioned above. These “stab-proof” vests often only withstand 5–10 joules due to their low-cost materials, failing to meet the minimum protection requirements of NIJ Standard 0115.00 and providing inadequate protection.

Buy our stab-proof vests.