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So I'm here in Europe and looking into getting a decent stab vest that also has impact protection. They are expensive as fuck, 500 - 700 euroes each, out of my budget at the moment.

So I'm considering the possibility of getting a hard plate carrier + large steel plates. It would provide equal protection if not better at a decent price + will also provide ballistic protection.

Now here is a question, what is the coverage like for the biggest plates available? From what I've seen on the photos, they cover mainly chest area, but lower stomach is exposed. Are there bigger options than that? Also sides would be exposed, I know, but stab vests in general offer very poor side coverage so it wouldn't be a huge difference.

What are your thoughts?

So I'm here in Europe and looking into getting a decent stab vest that also has impact protection. They are expensive as fuck, 500 - 700 euroes each, out of my budget at the moment. So I'm considering the possibility of getting a hard plate carrier + large steel plates. It would provide equal protection if not better at a decent price + will also provide ballistic protection. Now here is a question, what is the coverage like for the biggest plates available? From what I've seen on the photos, they cover mainly chest area, but lower stomach is exposed. Are there bigger options than that? Also sides would be exposed, I know, but stab vests in general offer very poor side coverage so it wouldn't be a huge difference. What are your thoughts?

(post is archived)

[–] • 2 pts

I read through all the comments here and I gotta second what said about chain mail. Not a whole bunch of guns in the EU but cuts and stabbing are very common. Good tight chain mail like you can find at ringmesh.com will protect you from stabbing and slicing. It also offers a bit of blunt force trauma protection.

No matter how big you get steel plates you are always going to have vulnerable spots. Think inside your arms and legs where you have great big arteries, kidneys, lower back area.

[–] • 1 pt

Now you are regressing into how platemail was originally developed, chain most places with plates here and there.

Nothing like EU history NEEDING to repeat itself.

[–] • 1 pt

My plate carrier stops just above my waist while the plate in it stops below the sternum maybe 4" above my beltline. Goes up to just under the collar bone with cut outs on the corners for shoulder movement.

The thing is 20+ pounds with just the carrier and 2 plates. So take that into account.

[–] • 1 pt

Thank you, that's the info I'm looking for. Do you know your plate size/dimensions?

[–] • 1 pt

Later today I will pull it from the carrier and snap a photo and grab some measurements

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Plate / carrier pics .

Forgive the scrubbed in desert, it lives in the garage most of the time, and gets worn in the desert. The carrier has served me well since 2003 including combat deployments. The plate is a replacement, but the same plate if that makes sense. I wear it rucking occasionally on hikes. Its a nice solid 26 pounds (carrier and both plates) for L4 body armor.

L4 is less and more than 3 or 3a in most cases, but thats what I initially bought. I have been considering buying 3a plates when I replace them.

For knife, you would honestly get away with L2 armor, and don't need all of plates associated with the higher tiers.

Not affiliated or anything, but they handled my previous business well. look like more what you may well be going for, if knife is the major concern.

[–] • 1 pt

Thanks for taking time to dig it out and take all the photos.

I've been look into the US market for armor, and the prices are a lot cheaper. What they are charging us here is pure vulture-like behavior.

I also found these from the company you linked - https://www.pointblankenterprises.com/paca/blade-plate.html

I might look into ordering stuff from the US, I think even with shipping I could end up paying less for more.

[–] • 1 pt

You gotta heft the shit, don't forget that.

If you want a good rundown on good armor, look up details on the Hollywood shootout. Those fuckers were armored to the point that an entire police department couldn't hurt them

[–] • 1 pt

I'm think of a home defense scenario, so weight is not an issue.

[–] • 0 pt

...I don't wanna know.

[–] • 1 pt

Goddamn Eurofags don't want to get stabbed while defending their homes, savages