How much does a stab resistant vest weigh?

Our stab vests weigh around 1.5kg for a size Large. Depending on size and design, this will slightly vary. They are extremely lightweight and suitable for extended wear while still offering outstanding protection.

Home / UK Manufacturer of Stab Vests & Body Armour

UK Manufacturer of Certified Stab Vests & Stab Resistant Body Armour

Name: PPSS Stab Vests
Brand: PPSS Group
Rating: 5 (6 reviews)

PPSS Group is a UK-based, internationally recognised company specialising in the development and supply of technically advanced stab resistant body armour and stab vests. Manufactured using high-performance carbon fibre composite technology, our armour provides exceptional protection against edged weapons, blades, hypodermic needles and blunt force trauma.

Trusted Stab Vests for Security, Healthcare and Enforcement Teams

Our stab vests are trusted by security teams, within retail, corrections, healthcare and enforcement organisations across the United Kingdom and internationally.

Our Certified Stab Vest Range

Covert Stab Vests

KR1 | SP1 | VPAM W5

Overt Stab Vests

Reflective Black Body Armour — EN ISO 17353

PPSS Stab Resistant Body Armour Stab Vests - Reflective Navy Blue — EN ISO 17353

PPSS Stab Resistant Body Armour Stab Vests - Reflective Hi Vis — EN ISO 20471

KR1 | SP1 | VPAM W5

Overt Zipped Stab Vests

KR1 | SP1 | VPAM W5

Bespoke Stab Vests

KR1 | SP1 | VPAM W5

PPSS Stab Vest Certifications

Our PPSS Stab Resistant Vests are designed to meet and exceed industry standards, ensuring the highest level of protection for our security professionals. Each vest is rigorously examined and certified, providing you with the utmost confidence in your protection from realistic threats.

• 10 Year Life Expectancy Guarantee

CAST Body Armour Standard:
• KR1 (Knife Resistance) View Certificate
• SP1 (Spike Protection) View Certificate

VPAM Body Armour Standard:
• W5 (Blunt Force Protection) View Certificate

NIJ Standard 0115.00 Certification:
• Threat Level 1 – Spike View Certificate
• Threat Level 1 – Edged Blade View Certificate

What are Stab Vests?

A stab vest, sometimes referred to as a stab resistant vest or stab resistant body armour, is specialist personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to reduce the risk of injury from knives, spikes and other edged weapons. These protective garments are developed to resist penetration from sharp and pointed objects commonly encountered in UK frontline environments.

Certified stab vests are tested against recognised standards such as KR1 (knife resistance), SP1 (spike protection), and VPAM W5 (blunt force impact), ensuring protection against realistic threats faced by security professionals, healthcare staff and enforcement officers.

Traditionally, stab resistant body armour has been used by professionals working in higher-risk roles, including security teams, healthcare security staff and enforcement organisations. However, protective body armour may also be used more broadly by organisations or individuals seeking additional protection where edged weapon risks may be present.

Modern stab vests are lightweight, ergonomic and designed for extended wear during long shifts. They are available in covert (concealable) and overt (external) configurations, with bespoke options to suit operational requirements.

At PPSS Group, our stab vests are manufactured using high-performance carbon fibre composite materials, delivering exceptional stab resistance while remaining lighter and more flexible than many traditional aramid-based systems.

Discover our Stab Resistant Body Armour Catalogue:

Fill out the form below to download our Stab Resistant Body Armour catalogue and view our overt, covert, bespoke and reflective options.

Trusted By Security Teams

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 from verified client testimonials

"We were getting around 20 weapons confiscated a month, from knuckle dusters to attack knives and baseball bats. Staff safety is number one, which is why we went down the direction of getting this amazing piece of kit. But staff comfort is just as important. Last year at DSEI, we had 40,000 people a day coming through, hundreds of protestors, and 35–36 degree heat. My team wore this without complaint. I personally wore it for two weeks straight, 16-hour days, and it was an absolute dream compared to the old kit. I even volunteered for the test myself, taking a baseball bat strike to make sure it worked. For me, that was the number one thing: does this keep my team safe? It was well worth it, because now I know my team are genuinely safer."

“One of our security officers was recently involved in a serious incident where an assailant attempted to stab him during a confrontation. Fortunately, he was wearing a PPSS Stab-Resistant Vest, which completely prevented the blade from penetrating. The vest did exactly what it was designed to do protect our team from life-threatening injuries. This incident reinforced the importance of equipping our staff with the best protective gear available. PPSS has proven to be a lifesaving investment, and we will continue to trust their vests to keep our team safe.”

"I would like to write in and compliment the level of protection given by your current overt stab vests you supply to our security team here at MKUH. Two weeks ago I was on duty and was called to our ED department where we had been watching over a very poorly mental health patient, this patient had smashed a porcelain plate and was holding a sharp piece in each hand I stood myself at a door to the room and made an attempt to verbally talk the patient down when he suddenly made a advance towards me stabbing at my face. Other team members and I then made entry to the room and began to take control of the patient, during this one of his arms became free and he started stabbing ferociously at my abdomen, The team and I then managed to regain control and disarm him. If I had not been wearing my vest, I believe the outcome would have been very different for me, and since the incident I have all confidence in the level of protection the vest gives, and we have instructed our agency staff management to supply their staff with vests recommending PPSS as their choice.”

“Currently I have two teams of 3 staff who are deployed to referrals where the risk assessment suggests that the use of a higher level of PPE would be beneficial. These are usually very high risk 135 warrants for Mental Health patients or where we are supporting colleagues from local police forces in the community or health-based places of safety. The first thing to note, having worn a multitude of different body armours while deployed on security details over the last 2 decades is the comfort and adjustability with the PPSS range. They are light but sturdy and there isn’t a huge amount of excess movement when walking, driving or physically engaging with a patient. The classic under arm sores rubbing around the chest and between the shoulder blades isn’t apparent with these. Another thing that my staff comment on is that they don’t get too hot wearing them, as often we will still use communicative techniques before using physical skills, which can sometimes take an hour or so. Lastly for me, from a business perspective is the look. The ambulance green just fits in so well with our standard uniform that many people think we are wearing tactical vests rather than body armour and many don’t comment at all. We went for the option with front pockets which are so useful and PPSS made us matching Ambulance logos that match standard ambulance uniforms that attach to the armour by hook and loop. All in all, they are great, and we are very happy with the equipment”

“When looking at hard shell PPSS stab vests they do, in my opinion, outperform the old Kevlar in areas such as stab resistance, weight, comfort and durability. I did ask my team members to give some feedback, all agreed that it protects well against punches, absorbing most of force. As the shell is hard almost no impact is felt by the officer. Comfortable even for prolonged periods of wear. Officers reported feeling less fatigued and restricted when comparing to old vests, which is especially beneficial during long shifts or in environments requiring constant movement (like long patrols etc.) No incidents with direct stabbing or slashing (thankfully!) but looking at some tests done in controlled environment on the vests would appear that PPSS withstand those very well. Whole old Kevlar vests were optimized for ballistic protection in mind PPSS focused on direct stabbing and punching protection. Also, all agreed vets are very light weight compared to Kevlar ones.”

“Being on the motorcycles we are obviously more vulnerable because we are outside the vehicles. We are open to blunt force attacks and also knife attacks as well. We needed lightweight, ultra-strong, fitted body armour to ensure that our riders are comfortable… when we were going through the process with PPSS, the rider being ridden over and being absolutely fine was the final tick in the box for us.”

Lightweight Stab Vests for Extended Wear

Modern lightweight stab vests are designed to provide high levels of protection while remaining comfortable enough for extended wear. Historically, many body armour systems relied on materials such as Kevlar® and other aramid fibres, which can provide effective protection but often require multiple layers of fabric to achieve the necessary resistance levels.

At PPSS Group, our stab vests utilise advanced carbon fibre composite technology, which allows the armour to deliver exceptional stab resistance while remaining significantly lighter and more rigid than many traditional textile-based systems. Our stab vests weigh between 1.5kg for a size Large, helping reduce fatigue for security officers, healthcare staff and enforcement professionals who may need to wear protective equipment throughout long shifts.

Lightweight construction is particularly important in environments where professionals must remain mobile and responsive while still maintaining a high level of protection. By reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining certified protection levels, modern stab vests can improve both comfort and usability during everyday operational duties.

Stab Vests with Knife, Spike and Needle Protection

Many professionals assume that protection against knives automatically means protection against spikes or hypodermic needles. In reality, these threats behave very differently, which is why spike protection certification is critical.

For example, under CAST standards, a vest can still achieve KR1 knife resistance certification even if up to 30 mm of blade penetration occurs during testing. This highlights why selecting body armour designed for realistic threats is essential, particularly in environments where improvised weapons, spikes or needles may be encountered.

PPSS stab vests are therefore engineered not only for knife resistance but also to address spike threats and hypodermic needles, which are commonly encountered in healthcare settings, custodial environments and frontline security roles.

By combining knife resistance, spike protection and blunt force testing, PPSS body armour provides a more comprehensive level of protection against the types of threats professionals may realistically face.

UK Manufactured Stab Vests

PPSS Group is a UK manufacturer of certified stab vests and stab resistant body armour, supplying protective equipment to organisations across the United Kingdom and internationally. As a UK manufacturer of certified body armour, PPSS Group supplies stab resistant vests to organisations throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Manufacturing in the UK allows us to maintain strict quality control standards and ensure that our armour meets recognised certification requirements such as CAST / Home Office KR1 knife resistance and SP1 spike protection. It also allows organisations to source protective equipment from a trusted UK-based supplier with experience supporting security teams, healthcare professionals and enforcement organisations.

For organisations seeking stab vests in the UK, working with an established domestic manufacturer provides reassurance that protective equipment is developed, tested and supported by specialists in the field of personal protective equipment.

Book a No-Obligation Demonstration

Book a no-obligation demonstration today and let our Technical Director visit your team. Witness and experience the certified protection of our stab resistant body armour in action and see how it can safeguard your security professionals.

Just as you wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, the same principle applies when choosing your body armour.

Book your demo now and discover why so many trust us for their safety.

FAQs

Do you sell stab vests to individuals?

Yes, we do sell directly to individuals as well as to government agencies and private companies. You don’t need to be part of an official organisation to purchase from us. We frequently supply stab resistant body armour sometimes called ‘stab proof vests’ to concerned individuals, frontline professionals, and private security staff around the world. If you’re interested in placing an order, please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.

What is the difference between a stab resistant vest and a stab proof vest?

“Stab proof vest” is a commonly searched term, but it’s not technically accurate. No vest can guarantee 100% protection in all scenarios. The correct term is stab resistant vest, meaning the garment has been independently tested and certified to protect against specific levels of force from edged weapons.

Are your stab vests KR1, SP1 or blunt force certified?

Yes, all PPSS stab resistant vests are officially certified to KR1/SP1 under the UK’s CAST standard and tested for blunt force protection (VPAM W5). They also meet NIJ Standard 0115.00 Level 1 for both spike and edged blade threats. We hold full documentation to verify these certifications and strongly recommend requesting similar proof from any other supplier.

Many body armour providers claim their ‘stab proof vests’ are ‘tested’ against knives and spikes, but testing is not the same as receiving a certification through proper channels.

What materials are your stab vests made from?

PPSS stab resistant vests are made from a high-performance carbon fibre composite, offering excellent protection from knives, spikes, needles, and blunt force trauma.

How much does a stab vest weigh?

Our stab vests weigh between 1.5kg for a size Large. Depending on size and design, this will slightly alter. They are extremely lightweight and are utilised for extended wear while still offering outstanding protection.

Do 'stab proof vests' really work?

We understand many people search for stab proof vests, but it’s important to know that no vest can guarantee 100% protection in every situation. The correct term is stab resistant vest. Ours are certified to UK Home Office CAST standards (KR1/SP1) and offer reliable protection against knives, spikes, and blunt force trauma.

Is there a shelf life for your stab vests?

Yes. All our vests come with a 10-year life expectancy guarantee, which exceeds the industry standard. Regular care and proper storage will help maintain performance over time.

Do you ship stab resistant vests internationally?

Yes. PPSS Group ships worldwide, and our body armour is trusted by frontline professionals in over 40 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Italy, across Europe and more!

Can I bulk order stab vests for my organisation?

Absolutely. We regularly supply security firms, government agencies, healthcare facilities, and other frontline services. Contact us directly for a quote and lead times on bulk stab vest orders.

Is it legal to buy or wear a 'stab proof vest'?

In most countries, stab resistant body armour is legal to own and wear. However, some regions may have restrictions based on criminal history or public carry.

Always check your local laws. And remember “stab proof vest” is a widely used term, but the correct and legal term is stab resistant.

Why don’t you call it a stab proof vest?

Because no body armour is 100% stab proof. While “stab proof vest” is a common phrase, it can be misleading. Our vests are stab resistant and certified to protect against realistic threats, but there are always physical limits depending on weapon, angle, and force.

UK Manufacturer of Stab Vests & Body Armour

UK Manufacturer of Certified Stab Vests & Stab Resistant Body Armour

Trusted Stab Vests for Security, Healthcare and Enforcement Teams

Our Certified Stab Vest Range

PPSS Stab Vest Certifications

What are Stab Vests?

Discover our Stab Resistant Body Armour Catalogue:

Trusted By Security Teams

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 from verified client testimonials

Lightweight Stab Vests for Extended Wear

Stab Vests with Knife, Spike and Needle Protection

UK Manufactured Stab Vests

Book a No-Obligation Demonstration

FAQs

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UK Manufacturer of Stab Vests & Body Armour

UK Manufacturer of Certified Stab Vests & Stab Resistant Body Armour

Trusted Stab Vests for Security, Healthcare and Enforcement Teams

Our Certified Stab Vest Range

PPSS Stab Vest Certifications

What are Stab Vests?

Discover our Stab Resistant Body Armour Catalogue:

Trusted By Security Teams

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 from verified client testimonials

Lightweight Stab Vests for Extended Wear

Stab Vests with Knife, Spike and Needle Protection

UK Manufactured Stab Vests

Book a No-Obligation Demonstration

FAQs

News and Articles:

PPSS Group Overt Stab Vest