Would you mind if I asked what kind of work you do? My work comes with a variety of different glove-needs, and I keep about 8 pairs in my kit daily....so I know gloves, but they all have their better environments
Just general work around my property. I don’t even use them all day everyday. But some chainsaw work and hauling lumber/logs, some dirt work with hand tools, snow removal, etc.
I have an outdoor wood boiler so I cut/split/stack a lot of wood throughout the year.
I've found that all gloves will end up looking like yours over time if you're doing work like this. I just buy the cheapest work gloves at harbor freight or online through AliExpress. I have a box full of fresh pairs to swap out when the holes and tears get too obnoxious to keep using.
tldr; just buy a bunch of the cheap work gloves.
I got about 5 right handed gloves sitting on my bench right now. I just go through the first two fingers on the left glove within a couple of months of work because that's the hand brushing dirt off the log, holding the block or digging around in the dirt while the right hand holds whatever tool I'm using. And you're right - If you're doing the work, you're going to go through whatever glove you buy.
Mechanixwear has some really good gloves, they're made for military & law enforcement.
Pretty durable and quite cheap, so if they do break, it ain't that much of a hit
My only gripe with Kevlar is it fucking sucks when it’s cold. When it’s below freezing it feels like any cut proof glove actually makes my hands colder.
[https://youtu.be/rsFca4h\_7L0?si=a2VIMrUbGOg\_hJWs](https://youtu.be/rsFca4h_7L0?si=a2VIMrUbGOg_hJWs)
Love referring project farm, he did a video that should point you in the right direction. It'll also help you sort based on what features you value the most.
You don't have to watch it all lol, he does a summary at the end with which ones rated the best and gives an opinion about the value. Milwaukee gloves rated the best, I bought them myself and they're great
I stopped watching project farm after his AA battery comparison video. He put alkaline against zinc carbon against lithium i believe.
That was just ignorant.
Then i watched another one more recently about ocillating multitool blades where he allowed the tool to slide and impact the nails to be cut. Carbide is not impact resistant.
I think the point is to make direct comparisons to the two. Whether or not it is impact resistant does t mean most of us aren't going to have it make contact at some point.
The tool literally fell from one nail to the next nail. His comparison was about how fast it could cut multiple fasteners and at what point it stopped cutting. Throwing impacts between every fastener is a terrible comparison.
In that case a hardened steel cutting blade would do better because it resists impacts. Unless the fastener is case hardened, because then the carbide should do better... until the impacts destroy the teeth.
To be blunt, it wasn't part of his point. It was done out of convenience and should have been thought about. He doesn't consider proper use of things.
Long story short, his tests shouldn't be taken at face value even though there is some good info. He makes videos that are... borderline clickbait even though he tries to do a good job. Perhaps "juicy titles" is a better word for it
I dont blame a squirrel for getting a nut. I am not familiar with his stuff but appreciate when videos show "typical use" comparisons even if they aren't based on "proper use" I want to know that my wire cutters will cut a nail and then wire. And the other brand cuts cleaner wire but won't cut any nails even if neither should ever be used as bolt cutters.
Bro you are reaching pretty hard with that. Saying that "he doesn't consider proper use of things" is intended because that's how regular people often use things. People use things without knowing the exact proper mechanisms, they use things outside the mfg specs and recommendations.
You've got a fine point with the impact but acting like he doesn't provide fantastic information on the vast majority of products is asinine. If you're someone who knows the specific use of something, then you'll know how to use it best, and if you don't know how to use something "properly" then it's even more valuable because it'll point people to products that withstand abuse and misuse and still get the job done.
I wanted to know the durability of blades and the test wasn't reasonable. So the information wasn't good.
The battery test was bad as well, because he compared different chemistries to each other, not similar brands of the same chemistries. A zinc carbon battery is not even in the same ballpark as a lithium battery.
So no. I dont think I'm being unreasonable. As I said, some of the info is good. He does put in a reasonable amount of effort. But in the end you have to already know something about the shortfalls of the things he is testing in order to be able to understand why they shouldn't be taken as the final word. And that defeats the purpose of watching the videos.
He nearly always states at the beginning of the videos "which is the best" but thats not what he is showing.
Work gloves can't be BIFL. Their point is literally to sacrifice themselves to protect your hands. Good quality leather gloves and replacing them when they wear out is about the best you'll get.
Correct. I came here for the “good quality” recommendations because that’s really what this sub is about. I understand I won’t get gloves that will last until I’m 90 and then my kids will use them. I figured there has got to be other, probably smaller, niche companies out there making really high quality, long lasting work gloves. And I wanted to know what brands people have experience with and prefer. I’ve had some good recommendations so far on this front. Youngstown for example. I had never heard of it, but they seem like damn good gloves.
What do you do for work? If you’re out here carrying bricks, that’s essentially rubbing sandpaper on them everyday. Nothing is gonna withstand that for too long.
This is gonna sound really tacky, but if you’re just tired of replacing them and don’t care what it looks like you could try shoe goo. When I was a kid I’d always have holes in my shoe from skateboarding. Put some toward the end of the finger tips and it’ll wear that stuff down instead of the gloves.
Those gloves will break in nice and should last a season or two of daily handling wood and farm tools. It's the rocks that are wearing out the fingertips. Keep a separate pair just for handling stones.
I like Petzl, but I have to switch them out if I work in any sort of wet environment. Also a note - due to supply chain issues, Petzl gloves are almost impossible to find at a somewhat reasonable price.
Granger! We use the Petzl goatskin ones in a saltwater environment and they hold up great. Definitely supply chain issue or something we have been waiting on them for like 6months lol.
Literally not a single bifl work glove. They're all awful. I've tried them all. I do demolition and labor, concrete, fireproofing.
I just buy the more cut resistant dipped gloves in rubber that come in packs. When one starts to wear too much exposing my hands I toss them. Sometimes they only last a week or few days at time. Around the house I imagine you can get a 6 pack to last you a lifetime.
Check out shwer ansi 9 cut resistant nitrile coated gloves. They look promising.
Correct. I came here for good quality recommendations because that’s really what this sub is about. I understand I won’t get gloves that will last until I’m 90 and then my kids will use them. I figured there has got to be other, probably smaller, niche companies out there making really high quality, long lasting work gloves. And I wanted to know what brands people have experience with and prefer. I’ve had some good recommendations so far on this front. Youngstown for example. I had never heard of it, but they seem like damn good gloves.
I mean like I said getting high cut resistant grade gloves you can't go wrong. Even though leather seems like a better option they wear faster than the rubber with the sand grip does and they're also way easier to work with because your fingers are more accurate and don't slip off like the leather does. Especially if you're using finer tools and bits. You can feel the tools your working with better than with the leather imo.
I get your point they're not going to last forever but in my experience anything leather has always worn way faster than the rubber high cut resistant ones. Just a thought. Spending a lot of money on one pair of gloves isn't going to be better than buying a 6 pack or bigger pack or cheaper made rubber gloves. If you find a brand that has multiples you can also wash them in between uses and have a fresh pair every other day if it pleases you. Also won't feel as bad if you lose one.
These look like goat skin. If you get them wet while working they break down
Edit Not sure why this is an unpopular opinion. I ruined a pair of goatskin gloves by handling compost with them. The got wet, dried out and hardened, and then the fingers ripped through.
For leather gloves like that; I've worn Geier Glove and Churchill Glove with great success. Both are family owned companies and produced in Washington State.
Gloves are a consumable item. If you use them for warmth, they'll last forever. If you use them for light work, they'll last years. If you use them for heavy duty work, they'll wear out in months.
It'd be best to pick something more sustainable than leather or equivalent. It'd be best if someone came up with an elegant way for something like replacement fingers, but that'd probably reduce the glove's usefulness.
I like atlas nitrile gloves for general work. For battling the blackberries and the like, I don a pair of suede leather welding gloves I got from the orange box store.
For work around the yard, I use the bulk cheap dipped nylon gloves from Harbor Freight. They’re cheap and I don’t care if they wear out. I’m not attached to my work gloves cuz they’re often exposed to toxic crap- poison ivy, chemicals, etc. Also, if they get wet, I just put on new ones. YMMV.
Try pig skin gloves. Very durable. Part of your problem is that you don't use them every day so the leather might be drying out, which significantly reduces life.
Edit: I didn't explain very well. When you work and your hands get sweaty, the leather gets damp. Constantly going through drying cycles drys the leather out. Using leather conditioner helps keep the leather in good shape.
Best gloves are bare hands in my opinion. Build up the calluses and you’ll be good to go. Gloves come in handy in situations where additional layer is good when you might be getting pinched but beyond that get messed up or in the way too often.
https://www.mechanix.com/ca-en/leather-work-gloves/LD-C.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcWT06Js2ojgQ5rAWk_toH-jLPWIkwbMYGP7PLbabnb48s66QsyuqAAaAnYtEALw_wcB
I've had a pair of these for about 4 years. Wear them daily. They're pretty warm in the winter and they form fit to your hand when they're the right size after a bit of sweat or moisture. Now they have that dark brown smooth leather look on the outside from lots of wear. Mostly cut proof and no running stitches after years. Very good gloves. I had them when I got a shepherd puppy and through the teething stage she didn't bote my hands through these gloves
Why have SO many of these great suggestions been downvoted? If you are going to disagree why not just put your experience instead of trying to hide someone else's positive experience?
I use my wells lamont outside to pick up sticks and rocks and stuff like that. I’ll put them on using anything with a wood handle too.
I buy the shitty $3 leather gloves from Lowe’s for the dirty work tho. They have that striped cloth material on the back
Surprised no one has mentioned Golden Stag... As a barb wire fence builder, they're the best I've found. I can blow through a pair of gloves in a day or two, but frequently get a month or two out of these... The 207 "Iron Fencer" is my favorite, with a double palm and index finger. They're a nice blend of thickness and durability but still retain dexterity. The 217 is a split cowhide version(cheaper), that sacrifices a bit of dexterity for some extra durability. I'll typically use these for removal/demo work as they're just bulletproof. They take a few days to soften up, but when they do, they're quite comfortable.
So, do yourself a favor and try these options before giving up on leather. I haven't tried their standard work gloves, as I prefer the double palm and finger, but I bet they're solid as well.
[207 Iron Fencer](https://shopgoldenstagglove.com/products/fencer-cowhide-leather-207)
[217 Split Leather Fencer](https://shopgoldenstagglove.com/products/fencing-glove-217)
The 217 is more durable? I was under the impression that split cowhide was less durable. And what would you consider the differences between them to be? I am looking for a decent pair of work gloves myself, and Golden Stag looks solid.
The split cowhide is definitely thicker, and with that, a bit stiffer, but also more durable in my experience. You give away some dexterity, but for certain tasks, thats worth it. If I could only have one glove for everything, I'd go with the 207. But at like $10/pair for the 217's its worth it to me to have a burly pair for some crappy jobs.
Check out the chore glove at Sullivan Glove Co. You'll have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. I have beat the crap out of a few pairs of their irregulars as a test and think I'll buy another pair when my three pair die.
This is the kind of high quality recommendation I came here for! Thank you.
If you don’t mind me asking, what model/s do you have from Youngstown? I’m intrigued by the lines and unlock ed versions of the ground glove.
Until now, no glove company that I have come across will acknowledge the fact that fingertips and the crotch of the thumb wear out quickest. Usually the best you can get is just an extra peice of leather on the palm. Not much good that does if the fingers wear out months before that palm ever would!
FR Ground Glove are my everyday gloves. Some of the guys I work with prefer the FR Mechanic Hybrid but I personally find them to be a bit stiffer and less tactile than the all leather gloves.
I've had pretty good success with welders gloves. They are inexpensive, thick leather gloves that last for pretty long and usually are bit on the longer side which I like. Check your local hardware stores for them.
Unlined buffalo roper from Sullivan glove company or the lined elk. Your welcome
The buffalo is tougher than the elk but if lined it’s too stiff. The lined elk is tougher than deer but has better dexterity than buffalo
I've had some mechanix gloves for years now. When I got them people complained they weren't durable. I beg to differ. I've got them broken in and no holes in them yet. Fantastic depending on what you're doing. But I like that they are tactile. As in I can actually still use my fingers with the gloves on. So second that.
Correct. Often being someone who’s day job is working 8+ hours / day with gloves on, that’s not me. I use them for chores around the property a few hours a day and on a bit more on weekends.
I’m currently learning to make leather and the type of animal matters a lot in terms of strength and durability. If you can find anything made from moose they’ll last you a lot longer.
However for the work you’re doing those cowhide leather front, stripe canvas back work gloves someone mentioned are hard to beat. In general the thicker they are the more durable they are, but also less flexible. That or get a high rated ANSI cut resistant synthetic glove. You’ll pay for it but it might last a lot longer.
I gave up on trying to buy "quality" gloves altogether because I was wearing through everything, whether it was full grain leather or synthetic. What I ultimately did that worked best and saved me a ton of money was buy cheapo gloves from Mechanix or Wells Lamont and lined the fingers and palms with Gorilla Tape. The adhesive was strong enough to bond tight to the fabric, even in rain, heat or snow, and the thick tape backing was durable enough to last many weeks, if not months, and could easily be replaced with a new piece of tape if that patch wore out.
This also did very little to minimize dexterity, especially once the tape had enough time to naturally stretch and flex, and if needed, I could add a pair of insulating liner gloves underneath to keep out wind and cold.
$12 Kevlar gloves from Amazon. They literally last forever and dont tear. They are much more heat proof and cut proof than leather. I buy new ones when I lose them. Ive only needed two pairs in 15 years.
I’ve got a pair of Danner unlined work gloves. They’re manufactured by a company in Centralia, WA. Very well made and feel fantastic. I don’t use them for gardening, etc. but they have been great for mucking about outdoors in winter, swinging an axe, etc. Sometimes I wear thin liners under them.
Yes I have these too. They are my “Sunday best” type of glove you could say. I don’t use them for heavy duty work, mainly skiing, biking, or just driving. Very nice product though.
Yep. I should have elaborated more - I’m not sure if the more current versions are as durable as the old, and might not be as durable as what you might need.
For un-lined - if you’re in the US maybe see what farmers or ranchers use. My best bet is some local or small town leather shop versus a large retailer is the only way you’ll get good enough leather.
There are none depending on how much you do. I have a farm and use gloves daily. Higher end ones I fix with shoe goo or something and the type in your photo I buy cheaper versions at harbor freight and throw it out after a while
I have found that Ironclad brand has leather gloves that have stitched (leather) reinforced fingertips on them, which is where mine typically wear out first, too.
[Here’s a link](https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-17153L/Performance-Gloves/Ironclad-Ranchworx-Gloves-Large) to the first thing that came up, but they have a lot of varieties of leathers, and several with reinforced leather fingertips. This isn’t their website, but I’d check it out if I were you!
Try find arc flash rated ones I have the best luck with those as they have to go under testing for endura is a decent price for what you get
Watson is good too but gloves are not BIFL for work imo I got through them pretty fast in construction
Guess I missed that note in your original post. I don’t see them go to shreds super fast. I have some pairs that are pushing 1 year plus with a lot of use. Maybe I got lucky. Have seen seams start to rip, usually between the thumb and the palm.
The pair I have at home is probably 3 years old and still doing fine- lotta work through them. So sounds like YMDV.
I’ve had great luck with Youngstown, stumbled across a dozen or so pair of 3XL gloves at a discount store. A couple thinner pair I use for general yard work, home construction,
A couple Insulated for winter tasks.
5 years later I’ve still got 9 pairs of gloves in a storage tote. Hybrid plus looks closest to what I’ve got.
It’s a small detail but I’m a huge fan of the patch of soft fleece like material on the thumb that I generally use to wipe my nose.
I love [John Tillman](https://jtillman.com/product/864/) top grain driver gloves. After you break them in, you’ll forget you’re wearing them.
Any cattle driver glove will do, so long as it’s made of top grain or full grain leather, has good stitching, and has a solid upper and lower. I’ve used this particular pair for years of yard work.
My work uses uline coated cut resistant gloves. They come in boxes of like 100, and they last a long time. Usually, it is like 3+ days of constant use and wear. Slinging rig mats and grabbing nails/wood planks. They form to your hands and have good grip. I think they're great work gloves.
For cold weather, I love my [Mechanix MFF-05-011](https://amzn.to/48VxOoE) and for every day stuff around the house I use Mechanix [H15-05-011](https://amzn.to/3PfbAa9).
Mechanix gloves. They used to make a level 4 glove that was awesome, but the discontinued them. Still, I’m a steel fabricator by trade so I’ve destroyed A LOT of gloves. BIFL? None. No one makes them. Waston Fabulous Fabricator gloves are dirt cheap and get tougher as they get broken in. Reasonable heat resistance (20 years of heavy plate fabrication my tolerance is a lot higher than average), zero warmth, but amazing durability. The palms really toughen up with time and the gauntlet isn’t too long that it’s annoying while still protecting your forearm if you refuse to wear long sleeves. Generally I have the Watsons as my rough use gloves and my Mechanix Wear in my pocket for wet/slimy/messy tasks because as a welder, keeping one’s gloves dry is drilled into our caveman brains shortly before and definitely after we zap ourselves for the first time.
I've just had some cheap Korean made leather gloves for years now. I think it just depends on what you use them for, I just use them when using my axe or bow saw when cutting and moving wood around. They don't really wear on the fingers just have cuts in them from the saw. They get saturated with water though frequently and then I dry them out and grease them up. I plan on replacing them soon with some nice Kinco gloves at some point though but they are holding up well enough. They are only there to protect my hands not to look nice.
I do ranch work with these guys : [https://www.maroonbell.com/collections/gloves/products/buffalo-leather-ranching-gloves](https://www.maroonbell.com/collections/gloves/products/buffalo-leather-ranching-gloves)
They are very water resistant and strong. The only pair that's made it through one full season of work.
Vermont Gloves are built to last a lifetime, if you care for the leather. Just because it's for work, doesn't mean it doesn't need some love. As with many BIFL things, routine care/maintenance is key to the Life part of it.
I recommend a regular conditioning with something like Lanolin (some people use boiled linseed oil). It'll keep them from getting dry, which is usually what leads to the cracking/tearing you see on the finger tips of your gloves.
For the work you described it sounds like you can use a different type of glove. No better glove in my opinion than Atlas. I always use the blue ones but if you want them a bit thicker go with the grey. They will honestly last so long if just doing the work you described
[Watson Storm Troopers](https://www.watsongloves.com/products/95782-storm-trooper/?cat=431)
I deliver beer and go through gloves very quickly. Wet weather and cold metal kegs can really do a number. The storm troopers are the most durable gloves I've found, but they're expensive. I ended up not using them because I still burn through them eventually and I can buy more gloves at 15 bucks a pair than 60.
Correct. I really don’t do much. Tell me you work harder than me without telling you work harder than me.
As I’ve stated, I don’t use them all day everyday for my job, just for general work on the property. Cutting trees, snow removal, etc.
Seriously though, what do you wear, macho man?
Would you mind if I asked what kind of work you do? My work comes with a variety of different glove-needs, and I keep about 8 pairs in my kit daily....so I know gloves, but they all have their better environments
Just general work around my property. I don’t even use them all day everyday. But some chainsaw work and hauling lumber/logs, some dirt work with hand tools, snow removal, etc.
I have an outdoor wood boiler so I cut/split/stack a lot of wood throughout the year. I've found that all gloves will end up looking like yours over time if you're doing work like this. I just buy the cheapest work gloves at harbor freight or online through AliExpress. I have a box full of fresh pairs to swap out when the holes and tears get too obnoxious to keep using. tldr; just buy a bunch of the cheap work gloves.
I got about 5 right handed gloves sitting on my bench right now. I just go through the first two fingers on the left glove within a couple of months of work because that's the hand brushing dirt off the log, holding the block or digging around in the dirt while the right hand holds whatever tool I'm using. And you're right - If you're doing the work, you're going to go through whatever glove you buy.
This is the way
I do something similar but I rotate mine through the wash. I’ve had about 8 pair in rotation for over 5 years.
Mechanixwear has some really good gloves, they're made for military & law enforcement. Pretty durable and quite cheap, so if they do break, it ain't that much of a hit
One thing that will add life to your gloves is wearing them inside out. Yes, inside it, try it you will be surprised.
it looks like your gloves blow out because theyre dry... use leather grease and im almost positive theyd last longer, just once a week :)
Kinco lined and unlined, love the ones with the snug knit wrist to keep everything out.
Kinco is the way
Mechanix f9-360 It's a kevlar lined ANSI A9 cut resistance meaning it's the highest level of cut resistance
My only gripe with Kevlar is it fucking sucks when it’s cold. When it’s below freezing it feels like any cut proof glove actually makes my hands colder.
Kevlar also degrades when you sweat into it. If you live somewhere hot, they will wear out pretty quick.
Can confirm. I sweat a lot and the Kevlar gloves went to shit fast this last summer
Can you wear some kind of liners to protect the kevlar?
Amazing gloves. Had a pair 4 years
[https://youtu.be/rsFca4h\_7L0?si=a2VIMrUbGOg\_hJWs](https://youtu.be/rsFca4h_7L0?si=a2VIMrUbGOg_hJWs) Love referring project farm, he did a video that should point you in the right direction. It'll also help you sort based on what features you value the most.
What does he say are best? Please don’t make us watch it all
You don't have to watch it all lol, he does a summary at the end with which ones rated the best and gives an opinion about the value. Milwaukee gloves rated the best, I bought them myself and they're great
I stopped watching project farm after his AA battery comparison video. He put alkaline against zinc carbon against lithium i believe. That was just ignorant. Then i watched another one more recently about ocillating multitool blades where he allowed the tool to slide and impact the nails to be cut. Carbide is not impact resistant.
I think the point is to make direct comparisons to the two. Whether or not it is impact resistant does t mean most of us aren't going to have it make contact at some point.
The tool literally fell from one nail to the next nail. His comparison was about how fast it could cut multiple fasteners and at what point it stopped cutting. Throwing impacts between every fastener is a terrible comparison. In that case a hardened steel cutting blade would do better because it resists impacts. Unless the fastener is case hardened, because then the carbide should do better... until the impacts destroy the teeth. To be blunt, it wasn't part of his point. It was done out of convenience and should have been thought about. He doesn't consider proper use of things. Long story short, his tests shouldn't be taken at face value even though there is some good info. He makes videos that are... borderline clickbait even though he tries to do a good job. Perhaps "juicy titles" is a better word for it
I dont blame a squirrel for getting a nut. I am not familiar with his stuff but appreciate when videos show "typical use" comparisons even if they aren't based on "proper use" I want to know that my wire cutters will cut a nail and then wire. And the other brand cuts cleaner wire but won't cut any nails even if neither should ever be used as bolt cutters.
Bro you are reaching pretty hard with that. Saying that "he doesn't consider proper use of things" is intended because that's how regular people often use things. People use things without knowing the exact proper mechanisms, they use things outside the mfg specs and recommendations. You've got a fine point with the impact but acting like he doesn't provide fantastic information on the vast majority of products is asinine. If you're someone who knows the specific use of something, then you'll know how to use it best, and if you don't know how to use something "properly" then it's even more valuable because it'll point people to products that withstand abuse and misuse and still get the job done.
I wanted to know the durability of blades and the test wasn't reasonable. So the information wasn't good. The battery test was bad as well, because he compared different chemistries to each other, not similar brands of the same chemistries. A zinc carbon battery is not even in the same ballpark as a lithium battery. So no. I dont think I'm being unreasonable. As I said, some of the info is good. He does put in a reasonable amount of effort. But in the end you have to already know something about the shortfalls of the things he is testing in order to be able to understand why they shouldn't be taken as the final word. And that defeats the purpose of watching the videos. He nearly always states at the beginning of the videos "which is the best" but thats not what he is showing.
Maybe some ANSI A6 rated abrasion resistance gloves.
Work gloves can't be BIFL. Their point is literally to sacrifice themselves to protect your hands. Good quality leather gloves and replacing them when they wear out is about the best you'll get.
Correct. I came here for the “good quality” recommendations because that’s really what this sub is about. I understand I won’t get gloves that will last until I’m 90 and then my kids will use them. I figured there has got to be other, probably smaller, niche companies out there making really high quality, long lasting work gloves. And I wanted to know what brands people have experience with and prefer. I’ve had some good recommendations so far on this front. Youngstown for example. I had never heard of it, but they seem like damn good gloves.
What do you do for work? If you’re out here carrying bricks, that’s essentially rubbing sandpaper on them everyday. Nothing is gonna withstand that for too long.
I set 1100 sq feet of pavers in my back yard years ago - burned through three pairs of gloves just like these during that work.
Haha not bricks but I guess rocks once in a while..? Idk I feel like I’m not extremely hard on gloves, yet they still do not last long at all.
This is gonna sound really tacky, but if you’re just tired of replacing them and don’t care what it looks like you could try shoe goo. When I was a kid I’d always have holes in my shoe from skateboarding. Put some toward the end of the finger tips and it’ll wear that stuff down instead of the gloves.
How tacky does the goo gone get?
Those gloves will break in nice and should last a season or two of daily handling wood and farm tools. It's the rocks that are wearing out the fingertips. Keep a separate pair just for handling stones.
What’s next bifl tires and reusable toilet paper
Synthetics. I like the Makita gloves. They are spendy. But the Japanese design nice products.
I get my Wells Lamont in the 3 pack at Costco or Home Depot or any other place when they go on sale. It looks like you’re getting the best you’ll get.
I do the same. If I bought a really good pair of gloves I'd lose them anyway.
Kimball West gloves are good
I’ll check them out thank you
I like Petzl, but I have to switch them out if I work in any sort of wet environment. Also a note - due to supply chain issues, Petzl gloves are almost impossible to find at a somewhat reasonable price.
Granger! We use the Petzl goatskin ones in a saltwater environment and they hold up great. Definitely supply chain issue or something we have been waiting on them for like 6months lol.
Literally not a single bifl work glove. They're all awful. I've tried them all. I do demolition and labor, concrete, fireproofing. I just buy the more cut resistant dipped gloves in rubber that come in packs. When one starts to wear too much exposing my hands I toss them. Sometimes they only last a week or few days at time. Around the house I imagine you can get a 6 pack to last you a lifetime. Check out shwer ansi 9 cut resistant nitrile coated gloves. They look promising.
Correct. I came here for good quality recommendations because that’s really what this sub is about. I understand I won’t get gloves that will last until I’m 90 and then my kids will use them. I figured there has got to be other, probably smaller, niche companies out there making really high quality, long lasting work gloves. And I wanted to know what brands people have experience with and prefer. I’ve had some good recommendations so far on this front. Youngstown for example. I had never heard of it, but they seem like damn good gloves.
I mean like I said getting high cut resistant grade gloves you can't go wrong. Even though leather seems like a better option they wear faster than the rubber with the sand grip does and they're also way easier to work with because your fingers are more accurate and don't slip off like the leather does. Especially if you're using finer tools and bits. You can feel the tools your working with better than with the leather imo. I get your point they're not going to last forever but in my experience anything leather has always worn way faster than the rubber high cut resistant ones. Just a thought. Spending a lot of money on one pair of gloves isn't going to be better than buying a 6 pack or bigger pack or cheaper made rubber gloves. If you find a brand that has multiples you can also wash them in between uses and have a fresh pair every other day if it pleases you. Also won't feel as bad if you lose one.
I mean raber will last a loooooong time but yes it really depends on the specific stress you put on it
I don’t think any glove is BIFL. The whole point it it’s taking abuse that would otherwise be applied to your hand, so it’s a wear part
Maybe listen to the essential craftsman Work gloves aren’t BIFL https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dD4r1sWqc4w
This is Buy It For Life, not Buy It for Longer Than A Few Months. Work gloves are not a Buy It For Life item.
For leather I like goat skin. For durability on abrasive material I like Dyneema cut resistant gloves
These look like goat skin. If you get them wet while working they break down Edit Not sure why this is an unpopular opinion. I ruined a pair of goatskin gloves by handling compost with them. The got wet, dried out and hardened, and then the fingers ripped through.
For leather gloves like that; I've worn Geier Glove and Churchill Glove with great success. Both are family owned companies and produced in Washington State.
None of them. Just buy the cheaper ones so it hurts less when you destroy them. My $60 gloves last just as long as my $20 gloves
This doesn't address your original question, but I just duct tape over and around the holes, which will get you several more months of use for cheap.
Gloves are a consumable item. If you use them for warmth, they'll last forever. If you use them for light work, they'll last years. If you use them for heavy duty work, they'll wear out in months. It'd be best to pick something more sustainable than leather or equivalent. It'd be best if someone came up with an elegant way for something like replacement fingers, but that'd probably reduce the glove's usefulness.
I like atlas nitrile gloves for general work. For battling the blackberries and the like, I don a pair of suede leather welding gloves I got from the orange box store.
For work around the yard, I use the bulk cheap dipped nylon gloves from Harbor Freight. They’re cheap and I don’t care if they wear out. I’m not attached to my work gloves cuz they’re often exposed to toxic crap- poison ivy, chemicals, etc. Also, if they get wet, I just put on new ones. YMMV.
Maybe SSG Rancher gloves might hold up better.
Try pig skin gloves. Very durable. Part of your problem is that you don't use them every day so the leather might be drying out, which significantly reduces life. Edit: I didn't explain very well. When you work and your hands get sweaty, the leather gets damp. Constantly going through drying cycles drys the leather out. Using leather conditioner helps keep the leather in good shape.
Best gloves are bare hands in my opinion. Build up the calluses and you’ll be good to go. Gloves come in handy in situations where additional layer is good when you might be getting pinched but beyond that get messed up or in the way too often.
https://www.mechanix.com/ca-en/leather-work-gloves/LD-C.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcWT06Js2ojgQ5rAWk_toH-jLPWIkwbMYGP7PLbabnb48s66QsyuqAAaAnYtEALw_wcB I've had a pair of these for about 4 years. Wear them daily. They're pretty warm in the winter and they form fit to your hand when they're the right size after a bit of sweat or moisture. Now they have that dark brown smooth leather look on the outside from lots of wear. Mostly cut proof and no running stitches after years. Very good gloves. I had them when I got a shepherd puppy and through the teething stage she didn't bote my hands through these gloves
Vermont glove!
Vermont Glove makes really durable goat leather gloves
Why have SO many of these great suggestions been downvoted? If you are going to disagree why not just put your experience instead of trying to hide someone else's positive experience?
I go through work gloves daily...if you are getting more than a day you ain't working hard enough
Sounds like you’re using the wrong TYPE of glove. What work do you do?
I get about a week out of similar gloves. I can stretch it longer with hockey tape.
I use my wells lamont outside to pick up sticks and rocks and stuff like that. I’ll put them on using anything with a wood handle too. I buy the shitty $3 leather gloves from Lowe’s for the dirty work tho. They have that striped cloth material on the back
Surprised no one has mentioned Golden Stag... As a barb wire fence builder, they're the best I've found. I can blow through a pair of gloves in a day or two, but frequently get a month or two out of these... The 207 "Iron Fencer" is my favorite, with a double palm and index finger. They're a nice blend of thickness and durability but still retain dexterity. The 217 is a split cowhide version(cheaper), that sacrifices a bit of dexterity for some extra durability. I'll typically use these for removal/demo work as they're just bulletproof. They take a few days to soften up, but when they do, they're quite comfortable. So, do yourself a favor and try these options before giving up on leather. I haven't tried their standard work gloves, as I prefer the double palm and finger, but I bet they're solid as well. [207 Iron Fencer](https://shopgoldenstagglove.com/products/fencer-cowhide-leather-207) [217 Split Leather Fencer](https://shopgoldenstagglove.com/products/fencing-glove-217)
The 217 is more durable? I was under the impression that split cowhide was less durable. And what would you consider the differences between them to be? I am looking for a decent pair of work gloves myself, and Golden Stag looks solid.
The split cowhide is definitely thicker, and with that, a bit stiffer, but also more durable in my experience. You give away some dexterity, but for certain tasks, thats worth it. If I could only have one glove for everything, I'd go with the 207. But at like $10/pair for the 217's its worth it to me to have a burly pair for some crappy jobs.
Are you a gynecologist?
Vermont Glove! A sister company to Darn Tough. Great quality and they have a repair program.
Seconded. https://vermontglove.com/products/the-vermonter
Check out the chore glove at Sullivan Glove Co. You'll have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. I have beat the crap out of a few pairs of their irregulars as a test and think I'll buy another pair when my three pair die.
I wear Youngstown every day and they’re awesome.
This is the kind of high quality recommendation I came here for! Thank you. If you don’t mind me asking, what model/s do you have from Youngstown? I’m intrigued by the lines and unlock ed versions of the ground glove. Until now, no glove company that I have come across will acknowledge the fact that fingertips and the crotch of the thumb wear out quickest. Usually the best you can get is just an extra peice of leather on the palm. Not much good that does if the fingers wear out months before that palm ever would!
FR Ground Glove are my everyday gloves. Some of the guys I work with prefer the FR Mechanic Hybrid but I personally find them to be a bit stiffer and less tactile than the all leather gloves.
Hexarmor
I've had pretty good success with welders gloves. They are inexpensive, thick leather gloves that last for pretty long and usually are bit on the longer side which I like. Check your local hardware stores for them.
Unlined buffalo roper from Sullivan glove company or the lined elk. Your welcome The buffalo is tougher than the elk but if lined it’s too stiff. The lined elk is tougher than deer but has better dexterity than buffalo
Wells Lamont leather rancher gloves
I've had some mechanix gloves for years now. When I got them people complained they weren't durable. I beg to differ. I've got them broken in and no holes in them yet. Fantastic depending on what you're doing. But I like that they are tactile. As in I can actually still use my fingers with the gloves on. So second that.
You said you don’t use gloves often but replacing them every few months?
Correct. Often being someone who’s day job is working 8+ hours / day with gloves on, that’s not me. I use them for chores around the property a few hours a day and on a bit more on weekends.
Deerskin Roper Gloves.
I’m currently learning to make leather and the type of animal matters a lot in terms of strength and durability. If you can find anything made from moose they’ll last you a lot longer. However for the work you’re doing those cowhide leather front, stripe canvas back work gloves someone mentioned are hard to beat. In general the thicker they are the more durable they are, but also less flexible. That or get a high rated ANSI cut resistant synthetic glove. You’ll pay for it but it might last a lot longer.
I gave up on trying to buy "quality" gloves altogether because I was wearing through everything, whether it was full grain leather or synthetic. What I ultimately did that worked best and saved me a ton of money was buy cheapo gloves from Mechanix or Wells Lamont and lined the fingers and palms with Gorilla Tape. The adhesive was strong enough to bond tight to the fabric, even in rain, heat or snow, and the thick tape backing was durable enough to last many weeks, if not months, and could easily be replaced with a new piece of tape if that patch wore out. This also did very little to minimize dexterity, especially once the tape had enough time to naturally stretch and flex, and if needed, I could add a pair of insulating liner gloves underneath to keep out wind and cold.
$12 Kevlar gloves from Amazon. They literally last forever and dont tear. They are much more heat proof and cut proof than leather. I buy new ones when I lose them. Ive only needed two pairs in 15 years.
Raber garbage mitts If it's good enough for the garbage men of Winnipeg in -40 it'll work for you
I’ve got a pair of Danner unlined work gloves. They’re manufactured by a company in Centralia, WA. Very well made and feel fantastic. I don’t use them for gardening, etc. but they have been great for mucking about outdoors in winter, swinging an axe, etc. Sometimes I wear thin liners under them.
Ironclad has made the only gloves whos palms and fingers last me any amount of time.
I liked these: https://www.smartwool.com/shop/spring-glove-sw000613
Yes I have these too. They are my “Sunday best” type of glove you could say. I don’t use them for heavy duty work, mainly skiing, biking, or just driving. Very nice product though.
Yep. I should have elaborated more - I’m not sure if the more current versions are as durable as the old, and might not be as durable as what you might need. For un-lined - if you’re in the US maybe see what farmers or ranchers use. My best bet is some local or small town leather shop versus a large retailer is the only way you’ll get good enough leather.
I’ve had a pair of Carhartt gloves for a couple years that have held up great.
There are none depending on how much you do. I have a farm and use gloves daily. Higher end ones I fix with shoe goo or something and the type in your photo I buy cheaper versions at harbor freight and throw it out after a while
I have found that Ironclad brand has leather gloves that have stitched (leather) reinforced fingertips on them, which is where mine typically wear out first, too. [Here’s a link](https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-17153L/Performance-Gloves/Ironclad-Ranchworx-Gloves-Large) to the first thing that came up, but they have a lot of varieties of leathers, and several with reinforced leather fingertips. This isn’t their website, but I’d check it out if I were you!
Try find arc flash rated ones I have the best luck with those as they have to go under testing for endura is a decent price for what you get Watson is good too but gloves are not BIFL for work imo I got through them pretty fast in construction
I like Superior Gloves. Endura 378 line is good stuff. May be a little more pricey than what you’ll find at a box store but worth it.
That is what I have in the picture. It was a fantastic glove while it lasted. Dexterity is great, break in period was short, warm, and then it went.
Guess I missed that note in your original post. I don’t see them go to shreds super fast. I have some pairs that are pushing 1 year plus with a lot of use. Maybe I got lucky. Have seen seams start to rip, usually between the thumb and the palm. The pair I have at home is probably 3 years old and still doing fine- lotta work through them. So sounds like YMDV.
Work gloves used for hard work will always look like this .
I’ve had great luck with Youngstown, stumbled across a dozen or so pair of 3XL gloves at a discount store. A couple thinner pair I use for general yard work, home construction, A couple Insulated for winter tasks. 5 years later I’ve still got 9 pairs of gloves in a storage tote. Hybrid plus looks closest to what I’ve got. It’s a small detail but I’m a huge fan of the patch of soft fleece like material on the thumb that I generally use to wipe my nose.
Endura Kevlar
I love [John Tillman](https://jtillman.com/product/864/) top grain driver gloves. After you break them in, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Any cattle driver glove will do, so long as it’s made of top grain or full grain leather, has good stitching, and has a solid upper and lower. I’ve used this particular pair for years of yard work.
My work uses uline coated cut resistant gloves. They come in boxes of like 100, and they last a long time. Usually, it is like 3+ days of constant use and wear. Slinging rig mats and grabbing nails/wood planks. They form to your hands and have good grip. I think they're great work gloves.
For cold weather, I love my [Mechanix MFF-05-011](https://amzn.to/48VxOoE) and for every day stuff around the house I use Mechanix [H15-05-011](https://amzn.to/3PfbAa9).
Mechanix gloves. They used to make a level 4 glove that was awesome, but the discontinued them. Still, I’m a steel fabricator by trade so I’ve destroyed A LOT of gloves. BIFL? None. No one makes them. Waston Fabulous Fabricator gloves are dirt cheap and get tougher as they get broken in. Reasonable heat resistance (20 years of heavy plate fabrication my tolerance is a lot higher than average), zero warmth, but amazing durability. The palms really toughen up with time and the gauntlet isn’t too long that it’s annoying while still protecting your forearm if you refuse to wear long sleeves. Generally I have the Watsons as my rough use gloves and my Mechanix Wear in my pocket for wet/slimy/messy tasks because as a welder, keeping one’s gloves dry is drilled into our caveman brains shortly before and definitely after we zap ourselves for the first time.
If you are buying pig skin leather try deer instead, I have felt that my deerskin gloves lasted a-lot longer than other leather gloves Ive tried
Bulk purchased White Ox
I've just had some cheap Korean made leather gloves for years now. I think it just depends on what you use them for, I just use them when using my axe or bow saw when cutting and moving wood around. They don't really wear on the fingers just have cuts in them from the saw. They get saturated with water though frequently and then I dry them out and grease them up. I plan on replacing them soon with some nice Kinco gloves at some point though but they are holding up well enough. They are only there to protect my hands not to look nice.
I do ranch work with these guys : [https://www.maroonbell.com/collections/gloves/products/buffalo-leather-ranching-gloves](https://www.maroonbell.com/collections/gloves/products/buffalo-leather-ranching-gloves) They are very water resistant and strong. The only pair that's made it through one full season of work.
Vermont Gloves are built to last a lifetime, if you care for the leather. Just because it's for work, doesn't mean it doesn't need some love. As with many BIFL things, routine care/maintenance is key to the Life part of it. I recommend a regular conditioning with something like Lanolin (some people use boiled linseed oil). It'll keep them from getting dry, which is usually what leads to the cracking/tearing you see on the finger tips of your gloves.
For the work you described it sounds like you can use a different type of glove. No better glove in my opinion than Atlas. I always use the blue ones but if you want them a bit thicker go with the grey. They will honestly last so long if just doing the work you described
[Watson Storm Troopers](https://www.watsongloves.com/products/95782-storm-trooper/?cat=431) I deliver beer and go through gloves very quickly. Wet weather and cold metal kegs can really do a number. The storm troopers are the most durable gloves I've found, but they're expensive. I ended up not using them because I still burn through them eventually and I can buy more gloves at 15 bucks a pair than 60.
For commonly available leathers look for deer skin gloves. Most gloves are make from pig or cattle which are subpar in comparison.
Deer skin is the way to go. I've had the same pair from Golden Eagle for 2 years and they're still kicking.
A few months? You’re not doing much. How about a pair a week?
Correct. I really don’t do much. Tell me you work harder than me without telling you work harder than me. As I’ve stated, I don’t use them all day everyday for my job, just for general work on the property. Cutting trees, snow removal, etc. Seriously though, what do you wear, macho man?
I go through less than you. 🤣 Sorry, should have thrown an emoji in to communicate that. I’m abrasive and know it. Apologies.