Reptile & Amphibian Forums

that snakes could not possibly bite through?

a bullet resistant vest made of kevlar (like police wear) would be impenetrable by a snake's fangs...

i'm not thinking it would be very practical though...

Steve

"Bullet proof" does not mean "puncture proof"!

Take care,

Iwan

2 things...

i didn't say bullet "proof"...nothing is...just resistant...

a bullet resistant kevlar jacket could NOT be penetrated by a snake's fangs....

they are relatively thick and very strong...

I had one and have staked my life on in, while I know they aren't the best at stopping knife attacks (but better than nothing), i could be wrong, but I don't think a snake's biting force equals (or even comes close to) the force of an adult male (human)trying to plunge a knife thru your heart...

I think bgf did a study on their ability to "chew" thru the midwest kevlar gloves, and I believe he found that eventually they did chew thru (monacled I believe), but surely the layers of kevlar in the gloves and a vest vary greatly.

although I must admit, seems like most bites occur on the extremities and i think it would do little to help as it only covers the midsection of front and back...from neck to naval and same distance on the back...

I've never seen one made for the hands...lol

hence the practicality clause...

the best is to not get bit...

good luck,

Steve

Absolutely do not trust them! I used to wear kevlar gloves all the time for the work I did...and yes the big thick ones. It will stop a knife, but anything close to a needle goes right through. Its not a matter of thrust power. Its pounds per square inch. If the point is little enough then it doesn't take any pressure to equal a mans full strength.

still...we aren't talking gloves...

at least i'm not...

not gloves...

bgf did experiments with gloves...

not gloves...

did i mention not gloves??...lol

vests are woven very tightly...

still need pressure to push a needle...

we may agree to disagree...

I wouldn't trust my life on any fabric or kevlar or whatever to protect me from a snakebite, especially while handling captive specimens on a daily basis. Gloves would most likely cause complacency in most people (i have gloves on, i can take some liberties), and sooner or later your gonna get tagged somewhere that's not protected, or the snake is gonna get a fang through the material. I would bet that a very angry elapid or large viper (gaboons!) could easily penetrate kevlar if they wanted, kevlar is meant to deflect bullets or projectiles, but it is fairly easy to puncture in a stabbing motion with a knife...in my opinion, i would put my trust in proper equipment (tongs, hooks, trapboxes) and confidence in handling skills than a pair of gloves that might/might not prevent a bite (and probably makes you more clumsy with your hands as well).