Top 7 Adaptive Knives for Arthritic Hands

Knives-for-Arthritic-Hands - Rheumatoid Arthritis Living

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.* ** All comments and recommendations are my own and should not 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 Amazon Mercer Culinary Genesis, 3.5-Inch Paring KnifeBuy on Amazon

Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel Fruit Knife With Pointed EndBuy on Amazon 4″ Stainless Steel Peeling Knife with Non Slip Ergonomic HandleBuy on Amazon

Utility Knives

A utility knife is pretty much a paring knife with a longer blade. Another staple for any kitchen. A utility knife is most efficient for slicing non-solid fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and squash.

OXO Good Grips Utility Knife

OXO Good Grips 5-inch Serrated Utility KnifeBuy on Amazon

The OXO Good Grips utility knife differs from the DuoGlide brand in that the knife blade 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

Dexter Russell 40013 DuoGlide 5Buy on Amazon

The OXO Good Grips utility knife differs from the DuoGlide brand in that the knife blade not as wide. It has a sharp, serrated stainless steel blade. Perfect for slicing fruit, veggies and more.

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.

OXO Good Grips Bread KnifeBuy on Amazon Dexter Russell Bread KnifeBuy on Amazon

Chef’s Knife

A chef’s knife is ideal for slicing, dicing and chopping. It positions your hand over the cutting so it gives you more control and requires less effort. It gives you a rocking motion that makes cutting easier. The wider blade also makes it easy to transfer your chopped food to the bowl or pan.

OXO Good Grips Chef KnifeBuy on Amazon Dexter Russell Chef KnifeBuy on Amazon

Other Adaptive Knives to Consider:

Dexter-Russell 6-inch Forward Right Angle KnifeBuy on Amazon

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.

OXO Good Grips Mini Santoku Knife

OXO Good Grips Mini Santoku KnifeBuy on Amazon

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.

Cutlaxe Ergonomic Slicing Knife

Cutluxe Ergonomic Slicing Carving KnifeBuy on Amazon

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.