How to Cut Up Bulletproof Vests

Bulletproof vests are most commonly used by police.

While bulletproof vests are most often associated with high-action movies, they are one of the most integral parts of a police officer's uniform and can save the life of anyone wearing one. Bulletproof vests can stop small-caliber handgun bullets from penetrating your body, but they are not guaranteed to always prevent injury. If your bulletproof vest is old and worn down and you want to get rid of it, you can cut it up using just one tool.

Things You'll Need

• Knife

Instructions

1. Unstrap the bulletproof vest. Open all the Velcro holding it together and any other clips that are keeping it standing upright. This will vary slightly depending on the type of vest.

2. Open the vest and lay it on a flat surface. Spread it out so it isn't overlapping anywhere and can open as much as possible.

3. Hold the bulletproof vest with your non-dominant hand and pick up a knife with your dominant hand. A large pocket knife or sharp kitchen knife will work fine. Push the knife into the center of the bulletproof vest and through the weave of the fabric.

4. Move the knife from the bottom of the bulletproof vest to the top, making a cut through the whole piece. Remove the knife and insert it in another location. Repeat the same process at multiple locations on the vest, always making sure to keep the vest steady with your non-dominant hand.

5. Cut the vest in the other direction multiple times, just like the previous step, and begin ripping it up into smaller pieces of your desired size. Throw away the pieces upon completion.

References

• TV Tropes: Bullet Proof Vest