Resurgence of knife attacks in France
Unfortunately, the news reminds us of this every day, and especially at the beginning of June, in France, the issue of personal security has become a major concern for many citizens. There is not a day without a new drama, so much so that what appeared 20 years ago for news items has now become a permanently established social fact.
While discussions often focus on broader threats, a more insidious and just as alarming reality is gaining ground: that of stabbing attacks. With 10,400 knife attacks in 2024, far from political debates, this threat is a tangible reality that directly impacts the daily lives of thousands of people.
Alarming numbers of stabbing attacks
The statistics paint a worrying picture. Although exact figures are sometimes difficult to isolate from broader categories of “violence,” successive reports from police and gendarmerie services, as well as analyses by organizations such as the National Delinquency and Criminal Responses Observatory (ONDRP), point to an increasing trend in offenses involving knives.
The statistics paint a worrying picture, even if the exact quantification of “knife attacks” is complex because of the official statistical categories that include “bladed weapons” (including knives, but also bats, American fists, etc.). However, data from the Ministry of the Interior and Independent Analyses converge to show an increase in violence involving these types of weapons.
According to the reports of the Departmental Statistical Service for Internal Security (SSMSI) and the reports of the National Police and Gendarmerie:
Voluntary Violence with a Weapon: For the year 2024 (the most complete data often available for this type of detail), there were around 10,400 intentional assaults involving knives, a significant portion of which are attributable to knives. That is multiplied by 2 since 2022.
Threats with weapons: The number of threats where a weapon (including a knife) is brandished is much higher, at around 18,000 to 22,000 per year.
Homicides: Regarding intentional homicides, it is estimated that 200 to 250 deaths per year in France are linked to the use of a knife. These numbers are conservative estimates, as court or hospital records (emergency departments reporting approximately 3,000 annual admissions for non-fatal knife injuries) may sometimes differ or complement each other.
An upward trend over 20 Years
Over the last twenty years, the evolution has been clear. A retrospective analysis of data from the Ministry of the Interior shows an increase in stabbing attacks. For example, the number of recorded events increased from around 34,000 in 2013 to 47,700 in 2022, an increase of almost 40% over this period.
Even though the year 2020 saw a slight downturn (-8%) potentially linked to health lockdowns, violence continued again in 2021 (+14%) and continues to be a concern. Emergency services, on the other hand, reported a 25% increase in hospitalizations for stab wounds between 2015 and 2022, an indicator that reflects the increasing severity of injuries inflicted.
This democratization of the use of the knife in attacks is confirmed by the profile of the suspects and victims: a majority of young people, often in contexts of brawls or robberies, and an almost systematic presence of knives during arrests in certain urban areas. This reality, far from fantasies, highlights the urgent need to strengthen personal security.
Innovation at the service of safety
Faced with this growing threat, personal security innovation has had to adapt. For a long time, protection against knives was the preserve of law enforcement and security personnel, with equipment that was often heavy, rigid and not very suitable for civilian and daily use. However, textile engineering has made giant strides, allowing the emergence of discreet and efficient solutions.
Anti-puncture and anti-cut technology
Blade protection is no trivial matter. It requires materials that can disperse the energy of an attack, resist punctures, and deflect the blade. Aramid fibers, such as Kevlar or Twaron, have long been the stars of this protection, renowned for their incredible resistance to traction and cuts. But the real innovation is how these fibers are woven and combined.
The latest advances incorporate ultra-dense meshes, sometimes composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a polymer that, despite its lightness, offers exceptional resistance to abrasion, cuts and punctures. These materials are often superimposed in several layers, creating a soft shield that absorbs and distributes the impact force, preventing the blade from penetrating. It is a complex dance between sufficient rigidity to resist perforation and the flexibility necessary to ensure comfort and discretion.
Protection standards, a guarantee of reliability
When it comes to safety, standards are not mere formalities; they reflect continuous tests that ensure the effectiveness of a product. For cut resistance, the most relevant European standard is EN 388. It classifies materials according to their performance in the face of abrasion, cutting by slicing, tearing, perforating and, more recently, cutting by sharp object (TDM-100 test). A high level according to this standard (for example, a level 5 or F for cutting) indicates significant protection.
For perforation, other specific tests are carried out to assess the ability of a material to resist a tip. Choosing a garment certified according to these standards means ensuring that the promised protection is not a simple marketing argument, but a tested and proven reality.
The V007 jacket by VEST PARIS, elegance and safety
It is in this context of growing need for personal safety and technological advances that the V007 jacket from VEST PARIS is emerging as an iconic solution. Far from the cliches of bulky and stigmatizing bulletproof vests, since its launch in 2015, the V007 has embodied a new generation of protection: one that fits perfectly into your daily wardrobe, without sacrificing style or comfort.
Invisible protection on a daily basis
VEST PARIS understood that for a protection solution to be really useful, it must be adoptable by everyone and in all circumstances. The V007 is not armor, it is an elegant jacket, designed with a clean and modern design, which ingeniously hides its protective abilities. Whether you're on a business trip, a night out, or just walking around town, the V007 blends into the background, offering peace of mind without drawing attention.
Technological excellence at the service of the V007
At the heart of the V007 is engineering provided by Protecop, the French leader in internal security. Protecop has woven Kevlar and polyethylene fibers in a specific way to create a powerful barrier against blades. These fibers, renowned for being among the most resistant in the world in terms of weight/resistance ratio, allow the jacket to offer exceptional anti-cut and anti-puncture protection, without adding excessive weight or volume.
The strategic layering of these layers of protection, combined with meticulous manufacturing, ensures that the V007 meets the most stringent security requirements, including against common stab threats. It is a commitment to safety that is reflected in the choice of a partner like Protecop.
Comfort, style and durability, pillars of the V007
But the V007 is not only a technical feat; it is also a garment designed for everyday wear. Its lightness and flexibility guarantee optimal comfort, allowing total freedom of movement. The timeless design and the quality of the finishes make it a durable piece of your dressing room, capable of crossing the seasons. It is also designed to be easy to maintain, resistant to tears and wear and tear, thus guaranteeing a lasting investment in your safety.
Personal protective equipment for everyone
The increase in knife attacks is a complex reality that calls for multiple responses, ranging from social prevention to police action. But for the individual, the ability to protect themselves is an essential component of personal safety. The V007 Jacket from VEST PARIS represents a major advance in this quest. It democratizes access to effective protection, transforming ordinary clothing into a discreet but powerful shield.
Nowadays, in view of the latest events that shake our society, choosing the V007 is not giving in to fear, it is making a proactive choice for your safety and peace of mind. It's about anticipating the unexpected. It's buying confidence. VEST PARIS doesn't just sell a jacket; it offers a new approach to safety, where elegance and protection are one.
