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Everyone has had their share of kitchen mishaps, including my unfortunate experiences with accidental finger amputations while preparing food. These incidents, one more than a decade ago and the other recently, reminded me of the dangers lurking in the kitchen. While my left index finger has been successfully treated and is healing well, each event was a clear indication of just how quickly accidents can happen when using sharp knives, or even when handling a mandoline. The latter, in particular, can be incredibly deceptive, as one moment you’re slicing a cucumber, and the next, you risk losing part of your finger.
So, how can one mitigate the risk of such unfortunate events in the kitchen? Even experienced cooks can find themselves at the mercy of a rogue knife slip (consider the infamous finger guards that are sometimes spotted on cooking shows like Top Chef). After my latest trip to urgent care, I resolved to take kitchen safety more seriously and found a potentially game-changing ally: a chainmail glove.
Chainmail gloves are not just relics of medieval history; they are specific safety tools designed to protect against cuts. The “ANSI Cut Scale,” established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) along with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), defines the cut resistance of gloves. The gloves are rated from A1 for minimal protection to A9 for maximum safety. It is truly surprising that a high-quality A9-rated glove can be purchased for about $14, an affordable price in today’s economy.
I admit that part of the allure of picking up a chainmail glove was my fascination with medieval history. While I’ve dabbled in themed wear, including a rather uncomfortable chainmail halter top I bought for a Renaissance Faire, the practicality of this glove outweighs any whimsical attractions. Marketed as A9-level protection and made from food-grade stainless steel, it provides an essential barrier to prevent any potential mishaps.
Upon first trying on the glove, I couldn’t help but think of the Power Glove from the classic video game era, feeling its robust protection. The glove came with two internal fabric gloves, designed for added comfort or protection, depending on user preference. While reviews suggest these liners might not always be included, the chainmail glove still performs admirably on its own.
That particular day, I was preparing radishes paired with butter, a classic French snack. Their small size can make them tricky to handle, with the risk of a knife slipping leading to injury. Thanks to the protective stainless-steel glove, I felt a sense of newfound confidence, allowing me to slice through those radishes without the constant anxiety of a potential cutoff.
While testing the glove with different kitchen knives, I found it to be remarkably resilient. Even when using my sharp Misen chef’s knife, the fabric liners showed no signs of wear or tearing. It’s worth noting that I felt secure even while capturing photos of my culinary skills.
The versatility of a chainmail glove goes beyond just food preparation. It can serve as a protective barrier in various situations where cuts or nicks are a possibility — from mundane tasks like sorting through paperwork to handling small pets. (I remember using gardening gloves with a particularly nippy hamster in my youth.)
Reflecting on my own mishaps, both occasions involved cutting items that posed inherent risks; the spaghetti squash was large and smooth, practically inviting a slip, and attempting to cut through flower stems in bulk was equally unwise. It’s easy to overlook how everyday tasks—like grating cheese or preparing oysters—can also lead to accidents. This glove seems to be the perfect companion for all these commonplace yet potentially hazardous kitchen endeavors.
I have complete confidence in my chainmail glove and its superior A9 rating. For those willing to spend a little extra, there are models like the Schwer ProGuard-X offering even more robust cut resistance. Though untested by me, it is marketed for maximum protection, perfect for the most daring kitchen adventures.
In conclusion, a chainmail glove should be a crucial addition to any kitchen, especially for those who might consider themselves a bit clumsy. My glove not only protects my fingers during regular cooking tasks but also brings a bit of medieval flair should I find myself at a Renaissance Faire or in need of handling unique animals. It’s time to slice away without fear!
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www.eater.com