With over 10,400 knife attacks projected for France in 2024, choosing the right knife-resistant clothing has become a major personal safety issue. Whether you're a security professional, a journalist reporting on crime, or simply an individual concerned about your protection, this guide will help you select the equipment best suited to your needs.
Why knife protection in 2026?
A worrying evolution of urban threats
Urban security statistics reveal a worrying reality: bladed weapons now represent one of the main threats in public spaces. Contrary to popular belief, as the news reminds us daily, knife attacks do not only affect law enforcement, but also an increasingly wider public.
Certainly, professionals such as security guards, reporters, and some medical personnel are exposed, but increasingly and alarmingly, it is in the streets, in schools, and in every corner of our society that citizens are suffering these attacks.
Discreet and effective protection
Self-defense methods are numerous, and stab-resistant vests like the V007 model are among the most effective modern ways to meet the fundamental need for simple, efficient, and discreet protection. Gone are the days of bulky, stigmatizing bulletproof vests. Innovative brands like VEST PARIS and Miguel Caballero have succeeded in integrating puncture protection into clothing that looks perfectly ordinary.
Cutting-edge technology: Kevlar, Dyneema, and alloys
Kevlar: the historical benchmark
Kevlar remains the benchmark fiber in ballistic and puncture protection. Developed by DuPont, this aramid fiber boasts exceptional characteristics. Its advantages include tensile strength five times greater than steel, remarkable lightness (density 1.44 g/cm³), resistance to extreme temperatures, and proven durability in the field.
Its limitations are sensitivity to UV light (long-term degradation), moisture absorption which can affect performance, and high production cost.
Dyneema: ultra-high-performance innovation
Dyneema, an ultra-high-performance polyethylene fiber, is revolutionizing the personal protection sector. This Dutch technology offers superior performance in an even more compact format.
Its performance is exceptional: cut resistance 15 times greater than steel, lightest fiber in the world (density 0.97 g/cm³), hydrophobic (does not retain moisture), exceptional chemical resistance and improved UV resistance.
The new composite fibers
After discussing Kevlar and Dyneema, let's turn to alloys. The composite fibers that VEST PARIS uses offer new performance levels, often superior to traditional fibers. Manufacturers like... Our supplier, Protecop, is constantly developing new hybrid materials. Among these hybrids, three main families can be distinguished:
The aramid-polyethylene hybrid fibers used in the V007 jacket by VEST PARIS combine the advantages of Kevlar and Dyneema.
The integrated ceramic fibers provide reinforcement against even the sharpest blades.
Carbon nanofibres promise unparalleled performance in an ultra-compact format.
Understanding protection levels and certifications
If you choose this type of knife or bulletproof protection, understanding the standards is crucial. The market offers numerous protection options, but how can you navigate them to ensure the effectiveness of your chosen protection—especially since some specialized websites advertise certifications without actually adhering to them? That's why it's always best to rely on reputable suppliers.
There are 3 types of international resistance standards:
ASTM F1790 standard (United States):
- Level 1: Protection against 25 joules of energy
- Level 2: Protection against 35 joules of energy
- Level 3: Protection against 50 joules of energy
ISO 13997 standard (Europe):
Classification by cut resistance from 1 to 5, with level 5 being the highest.
HOSDB Certification (United Kingdom):
This standard, specific to British police forces, is particularly demanding. VEST PARIS recommends the first two standards, the American and the European, as these are the most widely used and benchmarked.
Priority protection zones
As you can see on our website, effective knife protection must cover 3 major vital areas:
Zone 1, encompassing the torsofrontalis, relates to the heart and major blood vessels, the lungs, and the major digestive organs.
Zone 2, encompassing the torso and dorsal region, includes the spine, kidneys, and the posterior surface of the lungs.
Finally, zone 3 includes the sides for lateral abdominal protection. Very few jackets or vests offer this level of coverage. Model V007 does.
How to choose your knife-resistant clothing
1. Assess the threat level
While level 2 protection is sometimes sufficient, we recommend opting for level 3 protection with official certification. For example, the V007 jacket from VEST PARIS , which is level IIIA certified, offers bulletproof protection in addition to knife resistance.
2. Comfort and practicality criteria
Breathability is important because Kevlar and polyethylene do not allow moisture to escape.
Your freedom of movement should not be restricted by such a jacket. Because it is designed for everyday wear, it should be neither a burden nor a hindrance. This is why the pursuit of comfort and complete mobility was a top priority in the development of the V007 stab-proof and bulletproof jacket.
Finally, discretion is essential. What's the point of wearing visible protection? It should blend in with your outfit. That's why the thickness of modern protective gear (2-4mm) allows for invisible integration under normal clothing.
3. Durability and maintenance of the stab-proof jacket
Wash resistance: check the care instructions. The best protectors can withstand machine washing at 30°C, but at VEST we recommend removing the protectors before washing the jacket.
The lifespan of knife-resistant or ballistic protection is 5 to 10 years depending on use. The V007 jacket has a 7-year warranty.
The manufacturer's warranty is essential. Choose brands that offer extended warranties on the integrity of the protective fibers.
A "stylish and protective" wedding, according to VEST PARIS
Elegance in the service of safety
VEST PARIS is revolutionizing the approach to personal protection by offering a bulletproof or stab-resistant jacket with a timeless design that makes the protection invisible. This philosophy, integrated into the V007 model, addresses a growing need: to wear effective protection without compromising one's professional image.
The 4 advantages of the “stealth protection” approach:
- No social stigma
- Wearing is possible in all circumstances and every day
- Increased psychological effectiveness (surprise effect)
- Comfort of everyday use
Advanced and high-end textile technologies
In order to give his jacket anti-knife and bulletproof V007 boasts a high-end aesthetic, and VEST PARIS uses materials that combine refinement and durability. It offers shock and weather resistance. The choice of materials ensures unparalleled comfort in terms of weight and breathability.
Testimonials from professional users
Jacques, a business owner in Corsica
“I’ve been wearing a V007 jacket for 7 years, back when it was called Inventive Citi. Great product! I wear it to work and when I go out, I also wear it when hunting. I’ve gained confidence and I’m no longer afraid.”
Frédéric, journalist and reporter - Sensitive areas
“I have covered several events wearing the VEST PARIS bulletproof vest, in Paris and Nice during the attacks and even sometimes at demonstrations that can turn violent. Journalists are increasingly exposed; in my 25-year career, I have seen the situation deteriorate and the exposure to risk is becoming increasingly serious.”
Investment and value for money
Cost vs. personal safety
The price of knife protection varies from €200 to €2,000 depending on the specifications. This expense should be considered an investment in your personal safety. We had some fun comparing the cost of such protection with the financial consequences a victim will suffer after an attack.
- Average cost of hospitalization following an assault: €15,000
- Average sick leave: 3 to 6 months
- Psychological impact: invaluable
Our buying advice
First , avoid low-cost solutions . Your security cannot be compromised. Entry-level protections may have critical flaws or even claim to meet standards without having undergone any testing. This is very often the case.
We also encourage you to consider specialist brands . While VEST PARIS is certainly a reputable and well-established brand with 10 years of experience, the selection is vast. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us , and we will do our best to guide you.
Finally, ask for certifications and demand official test reports before making any purchase.
The future of knife protection
We can certainly let our imaginations run wild, but technological innovation in this field is a slow process. Among the developments we can foresee, integrated artificial intelligence is undoubtedly a major turning point. Some companies are currently working on sensors that detect impacts and automatically alert emergency services.
Others are working on self-healing materials incorporating fibers capable of regenerating themselves after a perforation.
Finally, modular protection with systems allowing the level of protection to be adapted according to the context is still a fiction that still belongs to the imagination.
Your safety, your choice
Choosing knife protection in 2025 requires a methodical approach that takes into account your specific needs, budget, and usage constraints. Current technologies allow for a combination of maximum protection and complete discretion, paving the way for the widespread adoption of this equipment.
VEST PARIS, a French pioneer in urban protection, continues to innovate to offer solutions adapted to contemporary challenges. Whether you choose preventative or professional protection, the key lies in the quality of the materials and the reliability of the manufacturer.
Never forget that the best protection is prevention, but having reliable equipment can make the difference between a simple incident and a tragedy.
*For more information on our technical protection solutions, see our full range on vestparis.com or contact our experts for personalized advice.
FAQ
What is the difference between knife-resistant clothing and a bulletproof vest?
Knife-resistant clothing protects against knife attacks (cuts, punctures), while a bulletproof vest stops projectiles from firearms. Some models, like the V007 jacket from VEST PARIS, combine both technologies.
Which material offers the best protection against knife attacks?
Fibers like Kevlar , Dyneema , or aramid-polyethylene composites are the most effective. They dissipate impact energy without tearing.
Can a civilian wear knife-resistant clothing?
Yes. Knife-resistant clothing is legal and freely available for sale in France and Europe, unlike some military ballistic vests.
How long does knife protection last?
Between 5 and 10 years depending on use. VEST PARIS jackets are guaranteed for 7 years and designed to maintain their effectiveness over time.
Is knife-resistant clothing comfortable to wear?
The new generation of protective clothing, like that from VEST PARIS, is lightweight, breathable and invisible, thanks to flexible inserts 2 to 4 mm thick.