<P> Vests designed for bullets offer little protection against blows from sharp implements, such as knives, arrows or ice picks, or from bullets manufactured of non-deformable materials, e.g., those containing a steel core instead of lead . This is because the impact force of these objects stays concentrated in a relatively small area, allowing them to puncture the fiber layers of most bullet - resistant fabrics . By contrast, stab vests provide better protection against sharp implements, but are generally less effective against bullets . </P> <P> Textile vests may be augmented with metal (steel or titanium), ceramic or polyethylene plates that provide extra protection to vital areas . These hard armor plates have proven effective against all handgun bullets and a range of rifles . These upgraded ballistic vests have become standard in military use, as soft body armor vests are ineffective against military rifle rounds . Prison guards and police often wear vests which are designed specifically against bladed weapons and sharp objects . These vests may incorporate coated and laminated para-aramid textiles or metallic components . </P> <P> In 1538, Francesco Maria della Rovere commissioned Filippo Negroli to create a bulletproof vest . In 1561, Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor is recorded as testing his armor against gun - fire . Similarly, in 1590 Sir Henry Lee expected his Greenwich armor to be "pistol proof". Its actual effectiveness was controversial at the time . The etymology of "bullet" and the adjective form of "proof" in the late 16th century would suggest that the term "bulletproof" originated shortly thereafter . </P> <P> During the English Civil War Oliver Cromwell's Ironside cavalry were equipped with Capeline helmets and musket - proof cuirasses which consisted of two layers of armor plate (in later studies involving X-ray a third layer was discovered which was placed in between the outer and inner layer). The outer layer was designed to absorb the bullet's energy and the thicker inner layer stopped further penetration . The armor would be left badly dented but still serviceable . One of the first recorded descriptions of soft armor use was found in medieval Japan, with the armor having been manufactured from silk . </P>

When was the first bullet proof vest made
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