
How to choose the right bulletproof vest

Determining this can be challenging, as bulletproof and stab-proof standards are often written in highly technical language that can be difficult to interpret.
At Protection Group Denmark we use the American standard from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is a procedure to ensure that your bullet- or stab-proof vest has gone through the correct tests to be approved.
NIJ and HOSDB (British Standard) are the most widely used standards in the world for bulletproof and stab-proof vests. They are very similar in their test methods.
Today, many vendors claim their vests—whether bulletproof or stab-proof—can effectively stop a knife. However, it should be clearly indicated on the vest what specific threats it is designed to stop.
A stab proof vest is designed to stop a certain force (joules) which at the lowest level 1 is 24 joules for E1 and 36 joules for E2. This is the lowest level according to NIJ and HOSDB.
A stab-proof vest should be tested according to NIJ Standard 0115.00, the standard for “Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor.” This standard includes NIJ Levels 1, 2, and 3, indicating the level of force the vest is designed to stop. This information must be clearly marked on both the carrier and the internal panel of the vest.
The carrier will have a small label (mainly on the back) that states the model number, size, date of manufacturing, serial number and what standard the stab proof vest is approved after. Inside the vest it will clearly say that the panels are Stab-proof level 1, and that the vest ONLY are stab-proof after the test by NIJ standard 0115.00
It will look like this (may vary depending on who manufactured the stab-proof vest.):
Always check the labels on both the carrier and insert to confirm if the vest has been tested to a specific standard. Be cautious, as many online sellers claim their bulletproof vests are also stab-proof without proper certification.
In such cases, you may receive a standard bulletproof vest that can only withstand 5-10 joules from a knife, with a penetration depth of up to 20 mm. This level of protection means a single knife attack could penetrate the vest and potentially cause fatal injury.
International stab-proof standards set a minimum Level 1 protection at 35-36 joules because this level is difficult to penetrate, yet still not impenetrable. Levels 2 and 3 offer increased stab protection for those requiring higher levels of security against stab threats.
1. In Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, many so-called “stab-proof” vests have been found to contain only a square metal plate on the front and back, surrounded by plastic material. These vests are only stab-resistant within the limited metal plate area, while the plastic sections offer minimal resistance to knife attacks.
2. Request a test report from the seller for the stab-proof vest. This report should clearly indicate the standard and protection level the vest has been tested to, as well as the penetration depth for each E1 and E2 impact from the test blades.
3. If you’ve purchased a stab-proof vest and the label inside the carrier reads, “It is NOT intended to protect against Rifle Fire, or Sharp Edged or Pointed Instruments,” then you actually have a bulletproof vest that does NOT offer protection against sharp or pointed threats.
4. Be cautious with any stab-proof vest that lacks labels or identifying information. Such a product is likely not produced by a reputable manufacturer, as body armor is required by regulation to include labeling with instructions on both the carrier and stab-proof inserts.
Prioritize your safety by using these simple “how-to-spot” tips to determine if your body armor truly offers stab protection.