our story

In October 2011, during a safety meeting, we were tasked with a question. How can we stop our injuries? We thought about this for a while, and then we pitched the mine manager about creating better PPE. Laughed off, we went to work still thinking about what we could build. After many avenues and disappointments with what was available with fabric, we found the only way to achieve what we wanted was to build it ourselves. Finding the right group, we were successful in creating exactly what we wanted, FEMTECH Fabric.

FEMTECH Fabric achieved everything we wanted and more, and in a single layer. Cut resistance was our main priority in the beginning. Then we noticed it's Flame retardant and Arc Flash properties, and we knew we had something. We did not stop there. With the addition of Static Decay, Breathability, and unbelievable comfort, just to name a few, we knew we were going to change the way people felt about PPE.

FEMTECH Fabric has proven itself time after time in real world environments. It has allowed Sentinel Apparel to live up to its name, and truly stand guard, ready to protect.

Starting with our Original Model 652 knit shirt, we are now able to provide multiple garments to custom fit the need of the industries, not just make due with what is available. Sentinel was born in the industry, by people who actually do the work the gear is made for, not a focus group who think they might have an idea of what it is like. 652 is the address of the Slusher Stope we were working in when we came up with Sentinel Apparel.

We know what our gear can do, and we appreciate the ability to share it with you.

Testing and the Real World

Real world application testing is different from testing done in a lab. While lab testing sets a minimum guide, every test is not exactly perfect, and can produce different results.

When people hear Cut Resistant, the first thing they want to do is grab the sharpest knife they can find, and the hardest surface and do their own informal testing. We do not suggest this to be an intelligent way to test anything that is considered cut resistant. Lets face it, you can cut a 5 gallon bucket in half if you push hard enough. Although this might seem like a good way to test the resistance, it is not a true reflection of real world applications. The same can be said about Flame Retardancy, please DO NOT do any informal testing at all. We do encourage testing using actual hazards that best represents situations you might encounter. However, DO NOT test these situations with people in the garments! Be Smart about PPE Testing. We have done the homework for you, contact us and we can provide you with all of the information you need.

Sentinel garments are Cut Resistant, NOT CUT PROOF (show me something tangible that is). Do not use with moving or serrated blades or tools. User is exclusively responsible to assess the suitability of the product for any application or use, before using it for that application or use.