Best Kitchen Knives For Left-Handers

Are you a left-hander and tired of working with right-handed kitchen tools? Well, you don’t have to work with right-handed tools anymore because this article tells you about the best kitchen knives for left handlers.

The majority of people in this world are right-handers, and by the majority, I mean 90% of the people. So, this is why the majority of the tools are made according to their needs and comfort level. But this is unfair, and I believe that left-handed people equally deserve to have all the comforts.

Exclusive Knives for Left-Handers

Yes, there are knives made exclusively for left-handers. While right-handed kitchen knives may also work well for left-handed people, the performance will not be that good. There are two types of knives I am discussing here; the Double-edged knife and the Single-edged knife.

The Double-edged knife is also known as the Ambidexter knife. What’s interesting about this knife is that it is sharpened on both sides. Both left-handers and right-handers can use this knife. It is a multi-functional knife and is literally available everywhere very easily.

The Single-edged knives have a very sharp edge. They are used for more professional use and are also exclusively available for left-handers.

Top Best Kitchen Knives for Left-Handers

After extensive research, I have selected the top 10 best kitchen knives for left-handers. These are the knives that I, being a left-hander trust blindly to work with. You can choose any of them, they all are amazing.

1. WÜSTHOF Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife

Specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic
• Blade Length: 8″
• Brand : Wusthof

The WÜSTHOF Classic line is the flagship of the WÜSTHOF product line. The entire WÜSTHOF Classic line is manufactured in Solingen, Germany, by skilled artisans using the same manufacturing techniques passed down for generations. 

The Classic range is supplied with a high-quality, hygienic wooden block that helps prevent damage to the edge and retains the sharpness. The Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife has a hollow edge towards the blade. 

It has a straight cutting edge and a well-balanced, ergonomically designed, smooth-contoured handle triple-riveted to the blade. The Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife is an excellent general-purpose knife thanks to its wide blade. 

The blade of the Classic line is crafted from a single blank of high carbon no-stain steel, resulting in a well-balanced knife that offers superior edge retention. Sharpening is quick and easy, and the blade is hand polished to produce a sleek, non-reflective finish. 

The size is perfect for preparing vegetables, cutting herbs, or slicing meat. The smooth handle ensures a safe, secure grip and perfect control.

Each handle is constructed from distinctive, hand-turned hardwood by skilled craftsmen and sealed under high pressure to create a seamless bond between handle and blade.

 The high-quality finish of the handle is protected against moisture with a clear coat of transparent polyester. 

2. Shun Classic 6” Chef’s Knife

Specifications

• Blade Material: VG-MAX Steel
• Brand: Shun
• Color: Silver
• Handle Material: Ebony color PakkaWood

Shun makes one of the best Japanese-style knives. They are the pioneers of supplying Japanese knives to North America. Their knives are of typical Japanese style having steel blades that are lighter and razor-sharp and have a traditional Japanese handle.

The look of a shun knife is breathtaking. But as much as it looks incredible from the outside, there are many amazing secrets that are not visible to you. The blade of the Shun Classic 6-inch Chef’s knife is made up of VG-MAX which is high-end super steel.

VG-MAX is basically a combination of some extra carbon, cobalt, tungsten, vanadium, and chromium. This formula increases the strength and durability of the knife, making it top the list of the best Japanese kitchen knives.

The handle of the knife is made up of ebony PakkaWood which makes the handle water-resistant and long-lasting. The handle has a D-shaped grip which makes it super comfortable to hold while cutting and is suitable for both left and right hands.

The small blade gives you a nice grip and control over your knife. You can do hassle-free cutting, chopping, dicing, and even mincing with this best chef knife for left-handers.

The secret that makes this knife one of the best is that this Japanese knife-like other is also a combination of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern technology. The Shun Classic 6’’ Chef’s knife is made with hands which involve over 100 steps and also the modern state of the art technology is used to give it a modern touch.

Buying this Chef knife by Shun will be a good investment as the heat treatment process makes its blade long-lasting. Also, Shun offers you a lifetime free-of-cost blade sharpening facility. I am already in love with this chef knife, and I know that you are too.

3. Henckel’s classic knife

Specifications

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Brand: Henckel’s
• Handle Material: Plastic
• Blade Length: 8″

German Henckels 8″ Chef Knife is a professional chef knife made with a full tang, meaning the blade and handle are one piece. This makes it tremendously durable and a tool you’ll have for decades. Henckels Classic knives are forged from high-quality German stainless steel, which is lightweight and rust-resistant.

The handle is a strong, black synthetic material riveted to the blade for a comfortable, safe grip. The blade is very sharp and is forged with a special distal taper and bolster shape that provides strength and balance. The blade also has laser-controlled cutting edges. 

The Hankles Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife is great for mincing and slicing meats, vegetables, fruits, and dicing for soups, stews, and stir-fries. Its large, rounded blade makes it easy to scoop up food from a cutting board or plate. The Classic 8″ is the most versatile knife in the kitchen. The 8″ blade makes cutting large items a breeze. The added weight of the bolster provides safety and security for the user. 

This chef knife is assembled in Spain and comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty against defects in manufacturing, materials, and artistry and is available in a variety of materials and handle styles.

4. Professional Damascus Chef Knife

Specifications

• Material: Japanese AUS-10V Steel,67-layer Damascus
• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
• Size: Chef Knife 8 inch
• Manufacturer: Inofia US

The Professional Damascus Chef Knife is hands-down one of the best comfortable knives for left-handers. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that this is a versatile knife, suitable for ordinary people as well as chefs.

The knife is made up of high-quality VG10 high-grade steel which is also known as V gold 10.  This is high-performance stainless steel. It is sturdy so that the knife will be your companion for a very long time.

The knife is very sharp, just perfect for professional use. It has a beautiful Damascus pattern on it. The gorgeous craftsmanship makes this best chef knife long-lasting and rust-free. As the edge of the knife is hand-sharp to 14-16 “ per side, a perfect balance is maintained between blade sharpness and maximum elasticity.

The handle of this best left-hander’s knife has an ergonomic design. To prevent the slipping of the grip, it has three rivets in the middle. The angle of the shank is related to the natural curvature of the arm, so this knife is best suited for left-handers.

The Damascus chef knife has an excellent grip. It has ultra-sharp edges that enable it to perform exceptionally well in slicing, shredding, cutting meat, fish, bread, vegetables, and fruits.

The Professional chef’s knife comes with a wooden stand, a black jacket, and a black branded box. In my opinion, this is the best gift for someone left-handed.

5. Mercer Culinary Left-Handed Knife

Specifications

• Model number: M24010PLLH
• Blade Material: High carbon stain resistant German steel
• Size: 10 inch
• Manufacturer: Mercer Culinary

A brand that has been providing us with the best culinary items for decades is the Mercer Culinary. Their name needs no introduction. Their kitchen tools are used worldwide as they have a next-level quality and give a fantastic kitchen experience.

The blade of this best left-handed sushi knife is made up of stain-resistant German steel. The blade is beautifully designed and resists rust and corrosion. To ensure effortless cutting, the blade is razor-sharp.

There are not a lot of single-edged knives for left-handers. You will be glad to know that Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi knife is a single-edged knife having a taper ground with a fine stone finish that gives clean and thin slices.

This best left-hander knife has a traditional wood handle. The D-shaped, slip-resistant Santoprene handle makes the cutting and chopping experience very comfortable.

NSF, as we all know, is a global provider of public health and safety-based risk management solutions. Mercer Culinary knives are NSF certified, and this means that they are safe to use and have amazing quality and performance.

All in all, Mercer Culinary Yanagi Sashimi Knife is one of the best meat cutting knives for left-handers. It makes fish filleting and meat cutting experience so much fun because of its sharp blade and comfortable handle. Apart from being a sushi knife, it is also super perfect for daily kitchen work.

And the best part about this best-left hander’s knife is that it is very affordable. The knife has a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. So absolutely nothing to worry about.

6. Left-Handed Paring Knife

Specifications

• Model Number: Paring knife
• Blade material: Stainless steel
• Blade Size: 2.75 inches
• Handle Material: Plastic
• Manufacturer: Everest Blade

Paring knives are one of the very most important types of knives. They are essential for food preps like peeling vegetables and slicing fruits. Paring knives are also known as fruit knives as they are frequently used for cutting food.

I know that you would be in a state of shock to know that paring knives are exclusively available for left-handers. Thanks to Everest blade for creating this amazing left-handed paring knife.

The blade of the knife is made up of stainless steel, making it long-lasting. It is 2.75 inches and curved in shape.  The stainless steel blade is sharp enough to provide efficient cutting and peeling services.

Now what makes this knife the best paring knife for left-handers is that the blade is sharpened on the right side so you can apply force easily with the left hand.

The handle of this paring knife is blue in colour and is made up of plastic. It gives a soft grip, just perfect for peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables. Also, the knife is dishwasher safe, so no worries about cleaning it separately.

7. Global Left-Handed Knife

Specifications

• Model Number: G-11 L
• Blade Material: CROMOVA 18 Stainless steel
• Size: 10 inch
• Manufacturer: Global

Global is one of the most trustworthy brands for knives. It makes the best quality knives of every type. It also has a range of knives for left-handers. G-11 L is one of the best left-handed sushi knives in terms of quality and performance.

The blade is made up of a single piece of CROMOVA 18  stainless steel and the quality is so good that you can count it as one of the best stainless steel knives for left-handers. And another plus point is that the ice-hardened, convex edge remains sharp for a very long time.

A sushi and sashimi knife should be very sharp as these dishes require thinly sliced pieces of fishes. G-11 L’s blade is of 10 inches and razor-sharp to give you an amazing sashimi making experience.

An important feature that should be present in a knife that has to be used for thin slicing and fine cutting is that it should have a nice balance. The left-handed Yanagi sashimi knife by Global is perfectly balanced by filling the hollow handle with sand, so you will feel no pain and discomfort at all.

If the handle of a sushi knife is not good enough, you will end up hurting your hands because of an uncomfortable grip. The handle of the left-handed Yanaga sashimi knife has an ergonomic design with a dimple pattern so it cannot slip while you are slicing.

So this Sashimi knife by Global is perfect for preparing Sashimi. It will help you make restaurant-quality Sashimi at home. This knife is also perfect for professional use and can be used for a lot more purposes apart from slicing fish.

8. Shun Kanso 8″ Knife

Specifications

• Blade material: stainless steel
• Size: 8 inch
• Blade Material : Tagayasan(Wenge)
• Blade Edge: Plain

Shun Kanso 8-Inch Knife is a must-have tool in every kitchen. It is designed after the traditional Japanese gyuto; the Kanso’s blade is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, which takes a razor-sharp edge and holds it longer. 

The handle is slightly contoured, enabling an easy chef’s grip; chop, slice, dice, peel, carve, mince and pare in comfort; ideal for culinary enthusiasts and beginners alike.

While the Kanso shares the weight and balance of a gyuto and is great for cutting meat and vegetables, the wide belly and straight edge are easier to use for chopping and cutting. 

The Kanso’s blade is also easy to maneuver, making it ideal for smaller hands and those who use a pinch grip. The beauty of the Kanso line is how each knife is equally functional for left- or right-handed users. 

This knife works perfectly for beginners, but chefs professionally trained in Japanese cuisine have been known to reach for the Kanso line because it’s so sharp, durable, and easy to clean. With proper knife care, this knife can pass down through generations.

 The Kanso series is designed to be rustic as if it has been used every day in a busy kitchen. The Kanso line was developed to give the user a long-lasting cutting tool that would still look several beautiful decades later. 

The handle is made of a sturdy, durable wood called magnolia and is set on the color-coordinated bolster. Kanso is packaged in a beautiful lidded presentation box and includes a matching blade guard.

9. Aroma Chef Knife Professional

Specifications

• Blade Material: German X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel
• Size: 8-inch
• Model Number: BH004-CK
• Manufacturer: Aroma House

Aroma house is known for its amazing customer service. They believe in the principle that the “customer is God”. Not all brands value their customer’s money, but Aroma house is one of those who aim for 100% customer satisfaction.

The blade of the knife is double-edged having a 15-degree angle on each side, so this knife is perfect for left and right-handers. The blade of this best knife for left-handers is Rockwell hard. It is made up of German high carbon 5CR15MOV stainless steel that is known for its razor sharpness.

The German stainless steel makes the knife rust, stain, and wear-resistant. It also prolongs the edge sharpness. The ergonomic pakka handle provides a very nice grip. The overall weight of the knife is perfectly balanced to provide a very comfortable, pain-free cutting experience.

The Chef Knife Professional by Aroma House is an all-rounder as it is suited for cutting, chopping, slicing meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. It cuts through big pieces of meat like a cake. It also works amazingly in fine precision cutting like removing the skin of a fish.

The perfect balance of the knife makes it the best left-handed chef knife for cutting fruits and vegetables. So this knife is a win-win situation for you whether you are a home cook or a professional working in a restaurant.

The knife comes in elegant packaging, so it is a perfect gift for someone who loves cooking. The knife has a beautiful gift box, so it looks very classic when you gift it to someone. The beautiful design, amazing performance and sturdiness make it a gift that your beloved will cherish for the rest of their life.

10. Imarku Pro Chefs Knife

Specifications

• Blade Material: 67 layers AUS-10V super steel
• Handle Material: Epoxy Glass Fiber
• Size: 8 inch
• Manufacturer: Imarku

Imarku Pro Chef’s Knife is another fantastic culinary item of Imarku for professionals and home cooks. This knife is one of the best by Imarku.

The blade of this best chef knife is made up of 67 layers of AUS-10V super steel from Japan. The blade is designed uniquely by air-blade hammered indentations. This makes the blade more durable and sharp.

The blade has a double-edged design. The edge angle is 8 to 12 degrees per side, so this knife is suitable for both left-handers and right-handers. The chef knife by Imarku is suitable for cutting vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. Want to slice a big piece of meat? Grab this knife and start your hunt.

I know how important it is for a chef knife to have a nice handle. The handle of the Imarku chef knife is very thoughtfully made. It has a G10 epoxy glass fiber handle which is oil-resistant, non-skid, and moisture-proof.

This best meat cutting knife for left-handers looks breathtaking. The handle has a retro look because of the technology of  Manual mosaic rivets. The mirror sandblasted surface and blade hammer pattern give a unique look to the blade.

The knife is all about providing you with a comfortable cutting and chopping experience. It is perfectly balanced so that you won’t be feeling any wrist discomfort. This knife would be your best friend in the kitchen.

Imarku provides a money-back guarantee on this knife. Buy this knife, and you will fall in love with it just like me.

11. Mercer Culinary Bread Knife

Specifications

• Blade material: Japanese steel
• Handle Material: Santoprene and Polypropylene
• Model Number: M23211
• Size: 10 inch
• Manufacturer: Mercer Culinary

My aim of writing this article is to help left-handed people have a kitchen experience as comfortable as right-handed people have. And this article would have been incomplete if I would not added a bread knife here.

Yes, you read it right, there are bread knives available exclusively for left-handers. Mercer Culinary, the name you know for decades, has a brilliant Bread knife that is becoming an important part of every left-hander’s kitchen.

The blade is made up of high-quality stain-resistant Japanese steel. The blade has a razor-sharp edge and is very easy to clean and maintain. The high-quality steel makes it very long-lasting and durable.

The most important part of a bread knife is its handle. The handle of this best bread knife for left-handed people is made up of a combination of Santoprene and Polypropylene. The Santoprene provides comfort while cutting, and Polypropylene is added for durability.

The handle has textured finger points that provide slip resistance and a nice, safe grip. The handle is gently widened at the meeting point with the blade to protect the fingers.

Another plus point of this best bread knife is that it is NSF certified for safety, quality, and performance. So this knife is hands down one of the best by Mercer Culinary.

Best Kitchen Knife for Left-Handers – Buyer’s Guide

To make your purchase worth every penny, here I am telling you some tips and tricks for buying the best kitchen knives for left-handers.

Type of knife

The most common query of people is what type of knife they should have. Well, there are a lot of different types of knives like a Chinese knife, chef knife, steak knife, paring knife, bread knife, Japanese knife, and a dozen more. The most commonly used knives are a chef knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife.

The Chef knife is a multi-purpose knife. It can perform almost any task like chopping, slicing, mincing, boning, and cubing. A paring knife is used for cutting and peeling fruits and vegetables. It complements a chef knife. A bread knife has serrated blades that are used for cutting bread.

Weight

This really depends upon your preference whether you want a heavy or a lightweight knife. The main point is that you should be comfortable with your knife. Your knife should feel like an extension of your hand.

Heavy knives are more beneficial as they fall with force. At the same time, a lightweight knife works effectively but requires a little force to be applied.

Blade Material

There are different kinds of blade materials. Each has its own advantage and disadvantage. The most commonly used ones are stainless steel, carbon steel, and high carbon steel. All three of them are great, and you can choose whichever suits you the most. Here is a quick comparison table of the three of them.

Material	Composition	Pros	Cons
Stainless steel	≤10.5% Chromium, 1.2% carbon, and other alloys	Rust resistant	No edge retention
Carbon steel	Iron and carbon	Retains edge sharpness	Prone to corrosion
High carbon  stainless steel	Stainless steel has high carbon	Great strength Retains edge	Expensive

Handle

Often people neglect this part but let me tell you that this is one of the most important features you should look for when buying a knife. Always make sure that the knife you are buying has a comfortable grip.

The material of the handle should be oil and water-resistant, so the handle is slip-free. The most commonly used handle materials are stainless steel, wood, and plastic. They all are amazing, and you can buy whichever you like the most.

A fact I would like to state here is that wooden handles are not preferred to be used in professional kitchens because they are a bit difficult to maintain and also are not very durable. So plastic and stainless steel handles are more commonly used.

Balance

This is the most important factor which you should check when buying the best knife for left-handers. A perfectly balanced knife has a curved blade and a full tang. A delicate balance makes your cutting and chopping experience effortless.

Cost

Best kitchen knives for left-handers range from as low as $10 to as much as $300. If you are a beginner, I would suggest you buy a low or mid-range knife. Once you have practiced enough, only then go for a high-end knife.

This is because an affordable knife also works quite well, so there is no need to spend on costly ones. For home use, it depends upon how much you are into cooking. You can spend as much as you want and the same goes for professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here I have addressed some queries which people often ask when buying the best knives for left-handers.

1. Can you get left-handed knives?

Yes, you definitely can. There is a variety of left-handed knives in the market from very well-reputed brands at very affordable prices. The best left-handers knife is prepared by sharpening the blade on the right side so you can use them with the left hand.

2. Why are Japanese left-handed knives so good?

The best knives in this world are made in Japan. The reason for the high efficiency of Japanese knives is that they are a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies. Yes, you read it right, Japanese knives are made with hands and involve a hundred plus steps.

Modern state-of-the-art technology is used to give it a modern touch. So the best Japanese kitchen knife is best for a reason, and that reason is the traditional way of making knives that Japan is carrying for hundreds of years.

3. What is the difference between a knife for left-handed users and a knife for regular users?

There is a basic fact that needs to be understood is that left-handed people cannot use right-handed tools. It’s very uncomfortable for them.

So the difference between a left-handed knife and a right-handed knife is that a left-handed knife has a blade sharpening on the right side to give a clean-cut while applying the force from the left. The handle of the left-sided knife also has a grip for the left hand.

A knife for left-handers is usually sharpened on both sides, or if it is single-edged, then a bevel ratio of 50/50 or 30/70 is the one for left-handers.

4. How Can You Identify a Knife Is Left-Handed?

Knives are usually designed to work with both left- and right-handed people. To determine which hand is your dominant hand, you can use one of the following ways.

First, hold out your thumb and index finger, and wiggle them back and forth to see if your thumb gets caught in between, making it harder to move.

Next, use a pair of pliers, pick up your knife, and move the handles back and forth. If you notice any strain or resistance when moving the handles, your knife is likely designed for right-handers.

5. Is it OK to wash knives in the dishwasher?

Yes, you can wash your knives in a dishwasher. However, you must be cautious about the sort of knife you choose and check that it is safe for the machine. Some knives can become corroded and cause damage to the mechanism of the dishwasher.

6. What Are Single-beveled Knives?

Single-beveled knives are knives that have one single blade bevel. This is usually done to improve the knife’s grip, control, and ability to chop things since having two distinct edges on the blade makes it easier to grip and control, allowing it to slice through foods with ease. 

However, the opposite is true as well. The disadvantage is that this reduces the edge strength and durability, so you should use single-beveled knives only in certain situations where they are needed.

7. What are Double Bevel Knives?

Double bevel knives are double-sided knives with two beveled edges on each side. Their benefits include less sharpening and increased knife performance. For this reason, they are commonly seen in professional kitchens and restaurants.

8. What’s the best way to store a chef’s knife?

Chef’s knives are stored differently depending on their size. Small, lightweight knives, for example, are generally kept in an airtight container. Larger, heavier knives, on the other hand, are usually stored in drawers to prevent them from banging around. It’s better if the blades don’t contact each other.

9. What three knives do you need?

A good answer to this question is a paring knife, a utility knife, and a knife that can use for slicing. A good paring knife should be sharp, sturdy, durable, and comfortable. 

A good knife should be heavy-duty, have good edge retention, and be easy to sharpen for general utility. It can use to trim small items, slice or chop vegetables, and even clean your food. A utility knife is the best bet for slicing, but some people prefer a serrated knife for this task as it gives better results when cutting through tough foods. 

For cooking and slicing, a carving knife is ideal. You can also use a boning knife and a fillet knife for delicate tasks. Finally, a chef’s knife or a bread knife can also be useful for slicing and chopping.

10. What is the difference between Wusthof Ikon and Classic Ikon?

Both the Wusthof Ikon and Classic Ikon knives are popular kitchen knives. However, the differences between these two products lie in the materials used for making them and the blade style. The Wusthof Ikon knives feature stainless steel blades built using a Japanese manufacturing technique known for their high quality and durability.

On the other hand, the Classic Ikon knives are made of stainless steel and feature forged edges, making them more prone to shattering. They are ideal for heavier tasks like chopping, carving, or cutting meat and don’t handle softer cuts as well as the Wusthof knives.

11. Where are Henckels knives made?

You can find Henckels knives everywhere, from grocery stores to supermarkets to your local butcher’s store. They are most often made in Germany and the United States, but they can also be made in China, India, Japan, and Brazil.

12. What Santoku knife is best?

It simply refers to the kind of blade, handle style, material, and finish. There are a few different types of Santoku knives, and the best one for you is highly situational and personal. Some of the best Santokus for you could include the Santoku from Shun, the Japanese Santoku from Henckels, or the classic Santoku from the German brand Wusthof. Other good choices would include the Santoku from Benchmade, the Boker from Boker, and the ChefKnife from Global Gourmet.

13. Are Shun knives right-handed?

Shun knives are typically manufactured to be right-handed. They come with an open design, so most hand movement is achieved with a left-hand grip. Hence, you can expect Shun knives to perform well on right-hand users. But we recommend buying a few different models and trying them out to see which one works better for you.

14. What kitchen knives does Gordon Ramsay use?

Gordon Ramsay uses German knives for most of his culinary work. He has a set of 5 different knives, including a boning knife, a paring knife, a cleaver, and a French chef’s knife. He also uses Chinese knives, which are easier to sharpen than German knives.

15. Is Wusthof better than Shun?

Yes, Wusthof knives are much more durable than Shun. The blades of a Wusthof knife will remain sharp for much longer than that of a Shun knife. Both knives are of excellent quality, though. And if you are buying a knife for the first time, it makes sense to go for a less expensive brand since a high-quality knife is expensive and can easily run over $100.

Conclusion

Choosing kitchen knives that are right for you is an extremely important decision that affects how your kitchen will look and function for years to come. This post discussed the best kitchen knives for left-handers and presented their advantages and disadvantages.

In our opinion, the WÜSTHOF Classic is the best kitchen knife for left-handers because it is designed for people who do most of their cooking with their left hand.

To learn more about which types of knives to choose for your home, check out our posts on the best kitchen knife set and best knife for carving. Have you tried using another type of knife to carve meat?

Let us know in the comments below.