Randy, my only kick-back injury was to the hand. Thankfully my right arm was straight and stiff causing the 40# bow saw to go clear over my head. It could have easily decapitated me.
Back to gloves: I haven't brought any of the cut resistance gloves as I haven't found any yet that also cover the right hand (maybe the ones referenced do -I'll check it out); I think I am more likely to lose my grip when I am sawing left-handed due to lots of factors - that is why I want a pair that cover both hands. Ron
After looking the replies over, guess I've either been lucky or had a good teacher and I am extremely careful knowing that one mistake can cost dearly. Grew up in Idaho, no help near-by in the woods or a cell phone to call someone. Always clear the area before cutting of any trip hazards, branches in the way or whatever I think could cause me to loose concentration or more importantly... not have two hands on the saw at all times when it's running! Don't stand next to me either, I'll ask you to move back.
My father cut until he died, I've cut for around 40, brother for nearly 35 and only two accidents. Was my brother, pulled a big saw from the cut and got him on the thigh.. we wear chaps now and always have worn gloves, eye's and ears... Youngest brother was killed by a log that rolled him over on a log deck, no saw involved.
Just never thought about more than a leather glove..... anybody have any test results of a glove in action? Maybe an entire chainsaw suit of kevlar? I realize a certain amount of protection is a very good idea and being the sole bread winner, accidents weigh heavy on my mind.
The old man beat my behind for walking with a running saw when I was young, never walked more than a step or two since then, probably why I never set the brake either, just makes no sense to walk around with a running saw when it's just as easy to shut it off. Cut myself more times on a saw while it was turned off than anything else, hands, feet, calf, arm... guess that's why I always have leather gloves on!