NIJ Standard 0115.00 establishes protection levels for stab-resistant body armor, offering guidance for evaluating and categorizing the performance of such armor. For stab vests the NIJ has separated protection classes specifically for edged blades and spikes. These protection levels are crucial for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and others who require protection against stabbing threats. Here are the key anti-stab protection levels defined by NIJ 0115.00:
Level 1:
Protection against low-energy edged or spike weapons threats with a strike energy of 24 J.
Level 2:
Offers higher protection than Level 1.
Provides a greater degree of resistance to penetration against medium energy threats with a strike energy of 33 J.
Level 3:
Provides highest protection against stabs
Offers the highest level of penetration resistance against high energy threats with a strike energy of 43 J.
These protection levels help individuals and organizations select the appropriate stab resistant armor based on the specific threats they may encounter. It ensures they can choose to wear body armor that meets their individual protection needs, whether facing small knives or more potent edged and spiked weapons.