What does an ANSI A9 cut rating actually mean?

A9 is the highest tier on the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut-resistance scale, indicating the glove withstood 6,000+ grams of cutting load before being severed in standardized testing. In community threads, woodcarvers and electricians describe A9 gloves like the Schwer ProGuard as stopping real slips from chisels and knives — but the same threads repeatedly warn that no glove is cut-proof, especially against puncture or a hard stab, so safe technique still matters.