What are the Best Adaptive Knives for Arthritic Hands?
Adaptive knives are specially designed for people who have limited mobility in their wrists and arms and who have a weak or unstable grip. These ergonomically designed knives will not only make chopping, slicing and cutting easier, but it will make it safer too.
As the world around us changes, so do our needs. What worked for us in the past may not work as well now and we have to adapt. The same is true for our cutting kitchen knives. They have to be able to adapt to different types of food and different textures
Cooking can be a real pain when you have rheumatoid arthritis. It makes eating healthy even harder when it is difficult to chop fruits and vegetables. It’s time to take advantage of some utensils that will simplify your life and make these tasks easier. There are many different types of cutting kitchen knives on the market today. Some are designed for specific tasks while others are more versatile. But which one is right for you?
What Should I Look For When Buying Kitchen Knives for Arthritic Hands?
- First of all, make sure it is lightweight. You can’t expect to slice and dice with a knife that is hard for you to lift.
- Make sure it has a large handle. A knife that has a vertical handle or two handles is better yet.
- Keep your eye open for cutlery that is designed specifically for people with arthritis.
- Consider your motion. Sliding back and forth is not good for people with arthritis. Knives that have an angled blade can be used in a rocking motion which requires less effort and is safer.
- Choose your blade. A serrated edge is something to consider. It could reduce the amount of effort you need to put into cutting your food.
- Not only is the grip important but also how sharp the knife is. A sharp knife is so much easier to cut with than a dull one. So also purchase a knife sharpener so you can continue to keep your knives sharp. Sharp knives are always easier and safer to use.
What Are the Best Types of Kitchen Knives for Arthritic Hands?
There are a variety of adaptive knives available. Types include:
- paring knives
- utility knives
- chef’s knives
- bread/slicer knives
- angled knives
- santoku knives
- slicing knives
There are mainly two brands of knives that I am mostly recommending; Oxo Good Grips and Dexter Russell DuoGlide. These are both good brands. Everyone is different. Therefore, the brand that works best for me may not work as well for you. However, considering the customer reviews, I believe you will find one of these brands to work well.
After doing a lot of research, I am basing my recommendations on things like design, price and customer reviews. Both of these brands have commendations by an arthritis agency. The Dexter Russell DuoGlide knives carry the Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. Good Grips products have won the Tylenol/Arthritis Foundation design award.
This post may contain affiliate links for which I earn commissions.
Please note that all opinions are my own and are not intended to be taken as medical advice.
What is the best paring knife for arthritic hands?
A comfortable paring knife is a staple for every kitchen. You can peel, trim, slice and garnish small fruits and vegetables and at the same time use it for larger jobs too. A paring knife is great for tasks that require a repetitive motion. A paring knife is something that is used so often you may want to consider ordering one of each of these brands to see which one you like best!
These are some of the paring knives I thought were best. The Dexter Russell Duo Glide paring knife holds the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Commendation.
Dexter Russell Duo Glide Paring Knife – 3 3/8″ inchBuy on AmazonMercer Culinary Genesis, 3.5-Inch Paring KnifeBuy on Amazon
Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel Fruit Knife With Pointed EndBuy on Amazon4 inch Small Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp German Stainless SteelBuy on Amazon
OXO Good Grips Utility Knife
The OXO Good Grips utility knife differs from the DuoGlide brand in that the knife blade is not as wide. It has a sharp, serrated stainless steel blade. Perfect for slicing fruit, veggies and more.
It will efficiently slice through the skin of delicate foods like tomatoes without crushing what you are trying to cut. It has a nonslip flexible handle that is ergonomically designed to fit the palm comfortably and softly.
Dexter Russell DuoGlide Utility Knife
The Dexter Russell DuoGlide utility knife is perfect for slicing, dicing and chopping fruits and vegetables. This is the one you want to grab when you are looking for a comfortable and easy to grip handle. In fact, the Dexter Russell DuoGlide utility knife was a recipient of the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Commendation.
It is designed for greater comfort and less fatigue. The design positions your hand right over the food. You will also love the sharp precision‐ground corrosion‐resistant blade which is 5″ long.
Bread Knives
These bread knives have serrated edges so that you can slice through the crustiest loaves, rolls and bagels without flattening what you are trying to cut. Both brands have ergonomically designed handles that will put less tension on your hands.
These bread knives have serrated edges so that you can slice through the crustiest loaves, rolls and bagels without flattening what you are trying to cut. Both brands have ergonomically designed handles that will put less tension on your hands.
OXO Good Grips Bread KnifeBuy on AmazonDexter Russell Bread KnifeBuy on Amazon
Other Adaptive Knives to Consider:
Dexter Russell Right Angled Knife
An angled handle and perpendicular kitchen knife handle allows users to position their hand in a more natural upright angle. Angled kitchen knives help to minimize the finger and wrist movements that are necessary when cutting or slicing with a regular knife.
Angled knives are great for people who have lost fine motor skills, have a weakened grip or have use of only one hand.
Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is one of the most versatile knives in the kitchen and can be used to cut almost anything from chopping to cutting. You can cut steak, dice vegetables, slice herbs, chop nuts, and slice apples and cheese. Garlic can even be crushed with the flat side of the knife. Chef’s knives are often sharpened to a very sharp edge. their harder steel helps them to hold the edge well. The biggest challenge of using a chef’s knife is learning how to hold it. It is also important to avoid hard surfaces that could dull the blade.
Dexter Russell Chef KnifeBuy on AmazonMercer Culinary Chef’s KnifeBuy on Amazon
OXO Good Grips Mini Santoku Knife
An Asian chef knife for mincing and scooping. It has a sharp, stainless steel blade that slices, dices, chops and minces with ease.
It has a soft, contoured handle for a safe, comfortable grip that won’t slip, even when wet.
The Cutluxe Ergonomic Slicing Knife is engineered for premium performance. This razor-sharp, granton blade edge ensures effortless carving and precision slicing.
With a full tang ergonomic design, luxurious pakkawood handle, and premium German steel construction, it’s built for comfort, stability, and durability.
With it’s lifetime warranty you can purchase with confidence.
Storage For Your Adaptive Knives
DrawerStore Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray for KnivesBuy on AmazonMagnetic Knife Block with Acrylic Shield, Double SidedBuy on Amazon
Shenzhen Countertop Butcher Block Knife Holder and Organizer with Wide Slots for Easy Kitchen Knife StorageBuy on AmazonBamboo Knife Block Holds 12 Knives Without Pointing Up PLUS a Slot for your Knife Sharpener!Buy on Amazon
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