The 10 Best Kevlar Gloves

The Superior Glove Endura (about $19) are capable of shielding your hands from nearly anything short of thrusting them directly into a raging fire. The goatskin leather can withstand virtually any abrasions, and the aramid fabric lining keeps sharp edges at bay.

If your job puts you in contact with angry dogs, cats or other animals with sharp claws and teeth, you'll want to keep the Rapicca Animal Handling (around $20) in the truck. Made with thick, top-grain leather and reinforced palms they'll prevent fangs from reaching your skin.

The Damascus DFK300 Frisker K (about $31) are stylish enough to be worn during a night out on the town, as the smooth cowhide exteriors fit in with a three-piece suit as well as they do with coveralls. The elegance belies the tough liners that fill the interiors.

Anyone trying to wield red-hot metal should have a pair of the Olson Deepak Extreme (around $15) on hand -- literally. Made with 1.2 mm leather using Kevlar stitching, they're perfect for just about any kind of welding, or simply for manning the BBQ at your next Fourth of July picnic.

They're not designed to protect you in a natural disaster or a war zone, but the Hatch Street Guard (about $29) provide all the shielding an average user is likely to need, in a style that doesn't betray their true purpose, as the Kevlar is knit through the palms and fingers.

If you actually want to be able to do something other than stop a bullet with your hands, the Kolumb Simple offer plenty of flexibility, making them feel like extensions of your flesh rather than bulky, cumbersome guards that limit your dexterity.

The Superior Glove Contender (about $11) fit snugly enough that you can feel everything you're touching, so there's no worry of missing out on sensory feedback. Let's hope your hands are either really big or really small, though, because they only come in two sizes.

The Rapdom Tactical Attacker Level 5 (around $39) boast a synthetic fabric for heat- and cut-resistance, while the Honeywell Spectra liner protects against jabs and punctures. Most of that shielding is relegated to the fingers, though, as the palms can be sliced through.

Every bit of the Youngstown Titan XT (appx. $33) is lined with DuPont Kevlar fiber, giving you comprehensive scratch- and puncture-protection. The bright lime color keeps your mitts visible, so hopefully you'll notice that your finger's in the way before you bring the chainsaw down.

Tactical operators should consider taking the Damascus DMz33 Nitro (around $38) out for a spin, as the rolled fingertips provide superior trigger sensitivity when you need it most. However, the knuckle protection is as likely to get in your way as it is to save your skin.