Is there any "common" material similar/with the same function as Kevlar for civillians?

Posted by AnarchySecRed@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 14 comments

Hey there! So, i'm a writer for a grounded style superhero/low vigilante story that i'm writing just as an exercise and i've challenged myself to stay totally grounded. Regardless, in a point of the story, the character ends up making his own suit using improvised stuff, mainly fabric.
But, for armor, would there be any equivalent to Kevlar which would make more sense for him to end up getting his hands on? I've searched a lot and all that comes up is really expensive or situational stuff.

PS: The story is set in a fictional city, so there is no second amendment; Firearms and body armor would also be pretty scarce

[-]

FossDad@reddit

You can make improvised armor by layering most tightly woven fabrics, and binding the layers together with Epoxy or heavy glue. This is essentially a modern day way of producing the Greek Linothorax.

I also wouldn't discount simple padded armor for joints and the lower abdomen.

Also leather is mostly useless, but its become accepted as viable by most audiences. Its fiction, so maybe theres mutant skin, or the keather is impregnated somehow to make is viable.

[-]

EstablishmentFull797@reddit

Some early ballistic vests used nylon. Not as strong or light as Kevlar, but if it’s tightly woven with enough layers it can approach similar levels of performance.

Also, UHMW polyethylene can stop some bullets, it is sometimes used as cutting boards or fenders for boats and piers.

[-]

AnarchySecRed@reddit (OP)

Would it be effective against knives tho?

[-]

EstablishmentFull797@reddit

A nylon vest would give some protection against slashing edged weapons but be pretty weak against a stabbing weapon like a dagger. But IRL Kevlar vests usually need anti-stab plates added too if that is a likely risk the wearer could encounter

[-]

Ornery_Secretary_850@reddit

Yes. Did you see the CUTTING BOARD comment?

[-]

RandoAtReddit@reddit

What about getting wet though?

[-]

Important-Point9409@reddit

you can get kevlar just like you can get fiberglass. One of my boats is made out of kevlar instead of fiberglass.

[-]

EvergreenEnfields@reddit

Titanium block armor like some of the early Soviet stuff. Not great, better than nothing.

Face hardened steel with spall liners.

[-]

prosequare@reddit

I mean, there are alternatives like dyneema, but like the other poster mentioned- you can just buy synthetic fabric. There are far more uses for Kevlar than body armor. It’s unlikely that your fictional society has outlawed Kevlar canoes and fall restraints. Fibreglast.com sells all that stuff and would give you a reasonable perspective on cost.

[-]

AnarchySecRed@reddit (OP)

I'll look into it!

[-]

RandoAtReddit@reddit

For the record, amarid is a family of synthetic polyamide fibers, of which Kevlar is the brand name for one specific type.