Blog

Introduction

When working with sharks—whether for research, diving, or underwater filming—protecting your hands is critical. Two materials dominate the debate: stainless steel chainmail gloves and Kevlar cut-resistant gloves. But which one truly withstands a shark bite?

In this article, we analyze:
✔ Real-world tests from Australian shark researchers
✔ Material science behind chainmail and Kevlar
✔ Pros and cons for underwater use

1. Shark Bite Mechanics: How Do They Attack Hands?

Sharks have serrated teeth designed to tear through flesh, not just puncture. Their bite force varies:

• Great White Shark: ~4,000 psi (pounds per square inch)

• Bull Shark: ~1,300 psi

• Reef Shark: ~300 psi

Most injuries occur during:
✔ Feeding responses (mistaking hands for prey)
✔ Defensive bites (during tagging or handling)
✔ Exploratory nibbles (curiosity rather than aggression)

2. Chainmail Gloves for Shark Protection: The Medieval Solution

How They Work

• Stainless steel rings (typically 316L marine-grade) disperse bite force

• Interlocking design prevents teeth from penetrating

• Used by shark researchers, underwater welders, and spearfishers

Australian Shark Researcher Case Study

Dr. Craig O’Connell (Marine biologist, O’Connell Lab) tested chainmail gloves during tiger shark tagging:

*"A 3-meter tiger shark bit my hand during a release. The chainmail dented but didn’t break—no blood drawn. Without it, I’d have lost fingers."*

Pros:
✔ Highest puncture resistance (stops serrated teeth)
✔ Saltwater-resistant (316L stainless steel)
✔ Reusable (unlike Kevlar, which degrades after bites)

Cons:
✖ Heavier (can fatigue hands during long dives)
✖ Less dexterity (harder to handle small tools)

3. Kevlar Gloves: Lightweight but Less Reliable?

How They Work

• Aramid fiber weave absorbs and distributes bite force

• Common in fishing and aquarium handling

Real-World Limitation

A 2021 study (Journal of Marine Biology) found:

• Kevlar gloves resist small nicks (reef shark bites)

• Fail against large sharks (bull sharks tore through in 60% of tests)

Pros:
✔ Lightweight & flexible (better for delicate tasks)
✔ Cheaper than chainmail

Cons:
✖ Degrades after bites (must replace after major incidents)
✖ Not puncture-proof (only cut-resistant)

4. Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Chainmail If:

• You work with large, aggressive sharks

• Need long-term protection

Choose Kevlar If:

• Handling small reef sharks

• Need lightweight flexibility