What Is a Stab Vest?

A stab vest is a type of body armour designed to protect the wearer against knives, spikes, and other sharp-edged or pointed weapons. Unlike ballistic vests, which are built to stop bullets, stab vests are engineered to resist penetration from bladed and pointed threats that are more common in close-contact situations.

How a Stab Vest Works

Stab vests use multiple layers of high-strength fibres such as aramid (for example DuPont™ Kevlar®) or advanced laminates. When a knife or spike strikes the vest, the tightly woven fibres absorb and disperse the force across a wider area. This prevents the blade from cutting through and reduces the risk of serious injury.

Some designs also include special composite materials or coatings that further increase resistance to puncture and slashing attacks. The effectiveness of a stab vest is measured against international testing standards, such as NIJ-0115.00, which specify levels of protection against knives and spikes.

Types of Stab Vests

Stab vests are generally divided into two categories based on how they are worn:

• Covert stab vests: Designed to be concealed under clothing. They are lightweight, slim, and comfortable for extended wear. These are typically used by security guards, plainclothes officers, or anyone needing discreet protection.

• Overt stab vests: Worn over clothing as part of a visible uniform. They are often heavier, with features such as MOLLE webbing or plate pockets for additional armour. These are used in high-risk environments by law enforcement or tactical teams.

Why Stab Vests Are Important

Knives and improvised stabbing weapons are among the most common threats in assaults worldwide. For professionals in security, corrections, or law enforcement, a stab vest provides a critical layer of protection during close-contact encounters.

By reducing the risk of penetration injuries, stab vests give wearers the confidence to carry out their duties safely. They are an essential part of modern protective equipment and continue to evolve as materials and testing standards advance.

Stab Vests at TacSource

For security professionals in Australia, TacSource stocks premium EnGarde® body armour fitted with TITANSKIN™ anti-stab panels. As the exclusive official distributor of EnGarde®, TacSource provides state-of-the-art stab vests trusted by law enforcement, corrections, and security operators worldwide.