Unfortunately, violent attacks on the police, law enforcement and rescue services are becoming more and more frequent. Firearms rarely pose a threat, as carrying a firearm is heavily regulated and controlled. The attackers often use simple weapons such as knives, but also weapons they have built themselves. These weapons often include molded metal objects such as screwdrivers or bicycle spokes. But why should a bicycle spoke be more dangerous than a knife? A bicycle spoke is available everywhere. If it is sharpened and, if necessary, provided with a handle, it becomes a deadly weapon. The hardened steel is designed to withstand high loads. The greatest danger, however, arises from the fact that the bicycle spoke is so thin, but not too thin, to immediately bend over with a stitch like a needle for example. Anti-stab materials deal with this threat with varying degrees of success.
Various stab protection materials are available on the market. These are:
- metal plates
- kevlar
- metal ring mesh
Metal plates are very good at deflecting piercing attacks. However, they have the major disadvantage that they are heavy, inflexible and not breathable.
Kevlar material, which is often also used in bulletproof vests, is only partially stab-proof. This is where the bicycle spoke poses a very big threat. With a diameter of less than 2 mm, the spoke can easily be pierced. Once the protective layer is pierced, the spoke can penetrate further without being stopped. This is unlike a knife, which has a cross-section that is at least 10 times larger and therefore easier to stop.
That is why such vests are often additionally provided with a metal ring mesh . This is good at deterring knives, but the bike spoke can easily pierce the rings.
Our stab protection material consists of composite plates that are attached to an aramid fabric. Thanks to the patent-pending technology, neither knives, needles nor bicycle spokes can penetrate the material and yet it is light, flexible and breathable.
Death by stabbing is a tragically common occurrence in the world today. It is one of the leading causes of violent deaths, ranking in the top three alongside shootings and beatings. In 2018, stabbing accounted for over 10% of all homicides worldwide.
www.stabvest.com.au