Common questions about SafetyBook® products:

When were the first effective bullet resistant products made?
The first effective bullet resistant products made an appearance in World War II and were known as Flak Jackets.  These first products only provided protection against small arms munitions fragments.  The big change came in the 1960’s when Kevlar was discovered and became the first lightweight body armor fiber, which opened the door for today’s lightweight concealable body armor.

What is “blunt trauma”?
Blunt trauma is the damage to internal organs caused by the transfer of kinetic energy to the body from the bullet resistant product, or the degree of deformation of the armor that occurs when body armor is struck by a projectile, such as a bullet.  The highest acceptable level of deformation by the body armor industry and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is currently 1.73" and this deformation is measured in the backing material used to simulate flesh or tissue during a ballistic testing procedure.

What is deformation?
Deformation is also known as backforce deformation, which is a measure of how far into the ballistic wearer's body, even though the vest does not completely fail, the projectile penetrates before it is stopped.

What is the difference between hard armor and soft armor?
Hard armor is made out of ceramic, metal, or plastic plates designed to prevent bullet penetration, which acts like an iron suite that traps the round to prevent spalling (cracking and flaking of particles out of a surface) or fragmentation (breaking of the projectile into smaller pieces).  Soft armor acts like a high performance “web” of fibers that absorbs the projectile and disperses the energy from the impact over a wide area.

Is body armor actually bullet-proof?
No, there is no body armor that is truly 100% bullet-proof.  Both soft and hard armor, used separately or together, defeat the vast majority of ballistic threats; however, there is always the chance of bullet penetration.  Furthermore, most projectiles stopped by body armor will produce some level of injury, whether the injury is bruises and/or broken bones.

What is V-50?
V-50 is the theoretical velocity at which a bullet is going to penetrate the ballistic material 50% of the time and be defeated by the armor material 50% of the time.  The higher the V-50 rating, the greater the ballistic protection is at that level.

How long is the SafetyBook® warranty and how often should a SafetyBook® be replaced?
Each SafetyBook® is made up of two parts: the ballistic panel and the outside carrier.  The panel is warranted for five years, and a replacement is recommended at the end of that period.  The carrier is warranted for 12 months and should be replaced as needed.  The warranty is null and void if improper care, misuse or neglect occurs.

How do I make sure my SafetyBook® will fit into my bag?
The SafetyBook® is sized to fit the majority of laptop cases, messenger bags, academic backpacks, carry-on luggage, and larger sized handbags on the market. If your current bag is capable of fitting a standard computer laptop then it should be capable of fitting a SafetyBook®. Please measure your existing bag if you are unsure and consult the measurements of the product in question on this website.

To what standards are SafetyBook® products certified?
Please refer to the product details on this website, each of which include NIJ threat levels.  All SafetyBook® products are NIJ certified and are compliant with NIJ Requirements. All test reports, including special threat testing, are on file at Sjöman Björn Corporation, and you may contact us for additional information.

What level of ballistic protection should I choose?
Each person faces different situations, but we recommend NIJ Level IIIA for all SafetyBook® products.

Can I buy SafetyBook® products factory direct?
SafetyBook® products are available factory direct for various groups including members of Law Enforcement, Academia, Government, and Special Interest. Please contact us for further information regarding group sales.

Where can I buy SafetyBook® products?
SafetyBook® products are available to the general public at select retailers, booksellers and campus bookstores. SafetyBook® products are also available online at Amazon.com and through Google Checkout.

Can I contact Sjöman Björn Corporation?
Sjöman Björn Corporation is committed to delivering professional, personal and complete customer service.  If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

How does the SafetyBook® Work?
When a bullet or projectile strikes the SafetyBook®, it is caught in a "web" of high performance fibers that are layered to exceed certain bullet resistant specifications. The engaged fibers absorb and disperse the impact energy that is transmitted to the ballistic panel from the bullet, causing the bullet to deform or "mushroom". Each successive layer of material in the SafetyBook® absorbs additional energy until the bullet has been stopped. Because the fibers work together in both the individual layer and with other layers in the ballistic panel, the entire SafetyBook® becomes involved in preventing the bullet from penetrating human tissue.

What is the SafetyBook® made of?
The SafetyBook® is comprised of proprietary ballistic fibers specifically developed by the Sjoman Bjorn Corporation to stop bullets. These high performance fibers are then weaved into an advanced algorithmic configuration for use in the SafetyBook® bullet resistant book.

Can I travel with my SafetyBook®?
The SafetyBook® is TSA approved for travel but it is wise to check with current regulations as several countries prohibit the use and possession of body armor.

Are there restrictions to buying or possessing body armor?
It is generally against Federal Law for a person convicted of a violent felony to purchase or possess body armor. In addition, various States also have laws restricting the purchase or possession of body armor by persons convicted of certain felonies, other crimes of violence, or drug crimes. By purchasing SafetyBook® body armor, you acknowledge and certify that (i) you have no felony convictions, (ii) you have not been convicted of any other crime that would restrict your ability to purchase or possess body armor under any Federal or State law and (iii) you do not intend to use the body armor for any criminal purpose. Sjoman Bjorn reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse to sell body armor to any person. Additionally, the sale of body armor to residents of Connecticut is restricted to in-person sales, unless the sale is made to certain law enforcement or military personnel. WARNING: The Sjoman Bjorn Corporation will cooperate fully with any request for information regarding the use of our products to commit a crime!