Portwest CS Cut C15 PU Glove

When cut protection is essential but precision and comfort cannot be sacrificed, the Portwest A638 CS Cut C15 PU Glove delivers the right balance. From the CS Collection, the A638 combines a fine 15-gauge liner, EN 388 Level C cut resistance, and a smooth PU coating in a glove certified to the highest dexterity rating available — making it the go-to choice for roles where workers need reliable cut protection without losing fingertip sensitivity or hand mobility.

Performance That Doesn't Compromise on Comfort

Level C Cut Resistance — Multi-Fibre Engineering

The A638 is constructed from a high-performance blend of HPPE, Steel Fibre, and Glass Fibre — three of the most effective cut-resistant materials available — achieving EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 Level C cut resistance and ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Cut Level A3. This multi-fibre approach distributes cut resistance across the glove's structure, delivering consistent protection against blades, sharp edges, and abrasive materials without creating hot spots or weak zones.

Steel and glass fibre are particularly valued for their cut-to-weight efficiency — enabling the A638 to reach Level C performance within a lightweight 15-gauge construction that would be impossible using a single-fibre design.

15-Gauge Liner — The Best Balance of Dexterity and Durability

The 15-gauge liner sits between the bulk of a 13-gauge and the ultra-fine feel of an 18-gauge, delivering what Portwest describe as the best balance of dexterity and durability for everyday cut-protection tasks. The result is a glove that protects without restricting — comfortable enough for extended wear and responsive enough for tasks requiring finger control and precision handling.

Combined with the smooth PU coating, the 15-gauge construction earns the A638 a Dexterity Level 5 rating under EN ISO 21420:2020 — the highest achievable — confirming that hand mobility is not compromised by the glove's protective properties.

Smooth PU Coating — Grip, Abrasion Resistance & Touch Sensitivity

The smooth polyurethane palm coating provides reliable grip on dry surfaces and small components, with excellent tactile feedback that makes the A638 particularly well-suited to assembly, inspection, and handling tasks. PU coating is notably thinner and more flexible than nitrile or latex alternatives, contributing directly to the A638's dexterity performance while delivering ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Abrasion Level 6 — the maximum rating under that standard — for long-lasting surface durability.

Touchscreen Compatible

The A638 is compatible with most mobile touchscreen devices, enabling workers to operate smartphones, tablets, and touchscreen control panels without removing their gloves. For roles where digital tools are part of the daily workflow — from scanning and logging to equipment diagnostics — this removes a common compliance barrier and keeps protection on hands throughout the working day.

Contact Heat Protection to 100°C

The A638 provides contact heat protection up to 100°C, adding a useful safety margin for tasks involving incidental contact with warm surfaces, heated components, or machinery — extending the glove's utility beyond pure cut and abrasion applications.

Reinforced Thumb Crotch

The reinforced thumb crotch addresses the most common wear-and-failure point in any cut-resistant glove. By reinforcing this high-stress junction, the A638 delivers a longer service life in daily-use environments, reducing replacement frequency and improving the overall value of the glove in high-turnover PPE programmes.

Dermatologically Approved

The A638 holds dermatological approval, confirming it has been independently assessed and found safe for prolonged skin contact. For employers with occupational skin health obligations, or workers with sensitive skin, this provides an additional layer of confidence alongside the glove's protective certifications.

Key Features at a Glance

• EN 388:2016 Level C cut resistance — reliable European cut protection
• ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Cut Level A3 — verified US cut standard compliance
• ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Abrasion Level 6 — maximum abrasion resistance
• ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Puncture Level 4 — strong puncture resistance
• EN ISO 21420:2020 Dexterity Level 5 — highest possible dexterity rating
• 15-gauge liner — optimal balance of dexterity and durability
• Smooth PU coating — grip, abrasion resistance, and tactile sensitivity
• Contact heat protection to 100°C — incidental thermal safety margin
• Touchscreen compatible — works with most mobile devices
• Reinforced thumb crotch — extended durability at high-wear point
• Dermatologically approved — safe for prolonged skin contact
• CE certified — EU PPE Regulation compliant

Full Certifications & Standards

Materials

• HPPE — high-performance polyethylene providing the cut-resistant fibre base
• Steel Fibre — enhances cut resistance with minimal weight addition
• Glass Fibre — additional cut-resistance contribution alongside steel and HPPE
• Polyurethane (PU) — thin, flexible palm coating for grip and abrasion resistance

Who Is the Portwest A638 For?

The A638 is designed for professionals who need certified cut protection but cannot afford to lose dexterity in the process. It is particularly well suited to:

• Light manufacturing and assembly — where precision handling and cut protection are both required
• Electronics and component assembly — where fine motor control is essential
• Automotive production lines — handling sheet metal, trim, and components
• Glass handling and glazing — where Level C cut protection is a baseline requirement
• Food processing and packaging — where hygiene-compatible, dexterous cut protection is needed
• Warehousing and logistics — for box cutting, picking, and packing operations
• General engineering and maintenance — everyday cut hazard environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut level does the Portwest A638 achieve? The A638 achieves EN 388:2016 Level C cut resistance and ANSI/ISEA 105:2016 Cut Level A3 — suitable for environments with moderate cut hazards from blades, edges, and sharp materials.

Is the A638 suitable for precision or fine-detail work? Yes. The 15-gauge liner and smooth PU coating combine to deliver EN ISO 21420:2020 Dexterity Level 5 — the highest possible rating — making the A638 well suited to assembly, inspection, and handling tasks requiring fingertip control.

Can the A638 be used with touchscreen devices? Yes. The A638 is compatible with most mobile touchscreen devices, allowing workers to use smartphones, tablets, and digital control panels without removing the glove.

What does dermatologically approved mean? It means the A638 has been independently tested and confirmed safe for prolonged contact with skin — an important assurance for workers wearing gloves for extended periods or those with sensitive skin conditions.

How does the A638 compare to the A718? The A638 prioritises dexterity and precision with its finer 15-gauge PU-coated construction, making it better suited to light-duty assembly and handling tasks. The A718 adds impact protection and a nitrile foam coating for wet-condition grip, making it the stronger choice for heavier industrial environments.

What is the product code for this glove? The Portwest CS Cut C15 PU Glove has product code A638.

Product Code: A638 | CE Certified | Dermatologically Approved

Always consult your site-specific risk assessment to confirm the appropriate level of cut and hand protection for your application.