Comparing the penetrative stab performance of the UK HOSDB P1/B and Stanley Tools 1992 trimming blades on certified body armour specimens

Abstract

This body of research assessed the penetrative stab performance of the United Kingdom Home Office Scientific Development Branch’s (HOSDB) P1/B certified blades against the readily accessible Stanley Tools 1992 trimming blade. All tests were performed against the HOSDB KR1-E1 impact energy of 24 Joules on HOSDB KR1 certified body armour specimens. Results demonstrated that the Stanley 1992 trimming blade posed a 30% greater stab threat in comparison to the HOSDB P1/B blade.

This paper demonstrates the threat imposed by readily available utility blades and a requirement to enhance existing stab resistant body armour test procedures.