How do bulletproof vests fare against arrows and other medieval weapons?

Mostly not well. Kevlar, Dyneema and Spectra fiber--the three most common materials used in soft body armor--have very high tensile strength and do not break easily. Even so, they can be cut with ordinary scissors, about as easily as one could cut burlap. Edged weapons can cut the fabric; pointed weapons like ice picks can drive right through it if the weapon is in the hands of a reasonably strong person.

The ballistic resistance is achieved by layering sheets of material one on top of the other, often rotating the weave of the fabric to give tear resistance in as many dimensions as possible. The National Institute of Justice rates body armor as Level I,II, or III. Level I stops smaller, low-velocity rounds. Level II will stop most handgun ammo in common use, and is the most popular among law enforcement. Level III stops all but armor-piercing handgun ammunition and some rifle rounds. Higher levels have more layers of fabric, so the vest gets progressively thicker, heavier, warmer and less flexible. It's always a balancing act between safety and comfort.

There are stab-resistant vests, used most commonly by corrections officers, but they're stiff and uncomfortable to wear. They often incorporate a rigid layer within the fabric layers to provide the stab resistance.

Hit a typical cop with a broadsword, pike, spear or dagger, and it's probably going to go right through.

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