“Cut Level 5” is the most searched glove rating in Australia, but it belongs to an old test. Gloves are now graded A to F under EN 388:2016 and AS/NZS 2161.3, and the old Level 5 sits roughly around Cut C or D on the new scale. This page explains how to read the rating on a glove, which level suits which job, and the gloves we stock at each level — every rating below is taken from the manufacturer’s own marking.
“Cut Level 5” vs the A–F ratings
The older EN 388:2003 coupe test rated cut resistance from 1 to 5. Modern high-performance yarns blunt the coupe test’s rotating blade, which made the results unreliable, so EN 388:2016 added the TDM-100 test. It measures the force needed to cut through the material and grades the result:
| Cut level | Force to cut (TDM-100) | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 N or more | Light assembly, general handling |
| B | 5 N or more | Palletising, packing, light materials |
| C | 10 N or more | Warehouse picking, carton handling |
| D | 15 N or more | Box cutters, steel strapping, sharp edges |
| E | 22 N or more | Sheet metal, food processing with blades |
| F | 30 N or more | Glass, heavy sheet metal, recycling |
The two scales aren’t directly interchangeable, so check the marking on the glove rather than relying on a legacy “Level 5”.
How to read the EN 388 code
Under the shield symbol you’ll see a code such as 4X43D. In order, the characters are: abrasion resistance (0–4), coupe cut (1–5, or X if not tested), tear resistance (1–4), puncture resistance (1–4), and the TDM cut level (A–F). A sixth letter P means the glove also passed the impact test. So 4X43D means top abrasion, coupe not tested, tear 4, puncture 3 and Cut D.
Cut B — light handling
- Ansell HyFlex® 11-531 (Pack of 12) — EN 388 4X42B per Ansell.
- uvex athletic B XP Cut Protection Glove 60036 (Pack of 10) — 4X43B, slim fit with a reinforced thumb crotch and breathable micro-foam coating.
- Maxisafe Black Knight Dri-Grip GDG291 — Cut B with grip for wet or oily handling.
Cut C — warehouse picking
- ATG MaxiFlex® Cut™ with AD-APT® - Palm Coat - Cut C 52-3745 (Pack of 12 pairs) — 4442C, palm coated.
- Ansell HyFlex® 11-561 (Pack of 12) — 4X42C; Ansell calls it its thinnest, lightest ISO C industrial glove.
- ATG MaxiCut® Ultra DT™ with AD-APT® 52-3455 — breathable, dotted palm for all-day picking.
- NXG™ Therm Cut C XT T-3212 — thermal liner for cold stores.
- ATG MaxiCut® Oil™ 34-450LP — 4342C for oily and wet handling where grip matters as much as the rating.
Cut D — box cutters and strapping
- Ansell HyFlex® 11-571 (Pack of 12) — 4X43D; Ansell lists it as its lightest ISO D-rated glove.
- NXG™ Cut D Heavy Duty Nitrile Glove C-3130 (Pack Of 12) — 4X42D heavy-duty nitrile.
- NXG™ Black Dog Cut D P-8175 — popular for carton and strapping work.
- uvex Bamboo TwinFlex® D xg Cut Protection Gloves 60090 (Box of 10) — 4X41D, fine 18-gauge knit for sensitive work.
Cut E — sheet metal and food processing
- Iguano Cut E Polyurethane Glove ASCUTEPU (Pack of 12) — 13-gauge HPPE liner with PU palm, Cut E (EN 388:2016).
- Maxisafe G-Force Chemsafe Cut E Glove GNC282 (Pack of 12 Pairs) — Cut E with a double-dipped nitrile coating for wet work.
- Maxisafe Microfresh Cut E Blue 'Food Grade' Liner Glove GKB167 (Pack of 6 Pairs) — food-grade liner, 3X4XE per Maxisafe.
Cut F — glass, metal and recycling
- NXG™ Cut F Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves C-3131 (Pack Of 12) — 4X43F heavy-duty nitrile; long-cuff C-3131-30 also available.
- Ansell HyFlex® 11-543 (Pack of 12) — 4X32F with EN 407 contact heat level 1.
- uvex Cut protection Glove HexArmor® Helix® Series 2076 (Pair) — 4X44F seamless coated glove.
- HexArmor® Hercules® 400R6E — 4X34F for cut and puncture hazards.
For forearm protection when handling sheet and glass, add a HexArmor® AS019S 19” cut-resistant arm sleeve (4X42F).
Choosing the right level
- Match the rating to the actual hazard, then pick the thinnest glove that meets it — a glove that comes off to scan a label protects no one.
- Choose the coating for the surface: nitrile for oil, PU for dry precision work, latex or sandy nitrile for wet grip.
- Cut-resistant does not mean cut-proof. Keep blades sharp and use safety knives where you can.
- Replace gloves when the liner is cut, worn through or contaminated.
For the warehouse context, see our warehouse PPE guide, or read what “Cut Level 5” actually means. Browse all cut-resistant gloves.
Frequently asked questions
Is “Cut Level 5” still a valid rating?
It refers to the older EN 388:2003 coupe test. Current gloves are rated A to F under EN 388:2016 and AS/NZS 2161.3. An old Level 5 glove sits roughly around Cut C or D on the new scale, so check the marking on the glove rather than the legacy number.
What does 4X43D mean on a glove?
It is the EN 388:2016 code: abrasion 4, coupe cut not tested (X), tear 4, puncture 3, and TDM cut level D.
What cut level do I need for box cutters?
Cut D is the usual choice for regular box-cutter use and steel strapping. Cut C suits general picking and carton handling.
Can you supply cut-resistant gloves in bulk?
Yes. Most models come in packs of 12 pairs, with trade pricing and account terms available. Call 0457 545 175 for a quote.
Kitting out a crew? Trade pricing and account terms are available — contact us or call 0457 545 175. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $200; collection from our Auburn NSW warehouse by arrangement (call first), 7:30am–3:30pm Mon–Fri.