About 12-17% of the world’s population uses their left hands for everything, from singing a name on a document to throwing a ball back and forth. Finding custom equipment to maintain your agility and muscle control is just as important when it comes to food preparation and cooking. When you learn how to choose a chef knife, you want to find left-handed options that are designed just for you. That is why we have put together an exceptional list of the best knives for left-handers below.
What is the Difference Between Left and Right-Handed Knives?
Usually, when you are using a chef knife, you cut from the right side. This means the left side of the blade is supposed to be flat so the sharpened right side can deliver a quality cut at a steep angle. When the bevel of the blade is not appropriate for the hand being used, you cannot get the cut you want.
Double Bevel
A double-beveled blade has sharpened edges on both sides of the blade. It enables users with any hand preference to get a quality cut because there is no flat side. Think of it like a “v” edge cutting through your ingredients.
Single Bevel
A single bevel is different. Only one side of the edge has been sharpened. That means you will get one side that is flat. If that flat side is on the traditional left side, you will not have a clean-cut and will work much harder with your ingredients. Left-handers want a sharpened edge on the left-hand side.
Top 7 Chef Knives for Left-Handers
  Editor's Choice | ||||
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 Best Gyuto Knife for Left-Handers | Check Price | |||
 Best Left-Handed Deba Knife | Check Price | |||
 Best Paring Knife for Left-Handers | Check Price | |||
 | Check Price | |||
 Best Left-Handed Bread Serrated Knife | Check Price |
1. Shun Classic 6” Double Bevel Chef Knife – Editor’s Choice
This is a beautifully designed chef knife with a balance of features perfect for a left-handed user in a home or professional kitchen.
Shun Classic 6’’ Chef Knife Specifications
About the Knife
Our top selection of a chef knife for a left-handed user is double-beveled. While there is nothing wrong with a knife targeting left-handed users, having the flexibility to move between either hand makes a certain sense around the kitchen. You get all of the well-balanced features of a premium blade, including tang, forged, and sharpness, with the added benefit of a safe and easy-to-grip handle that is well-rounded to avoid slippage.
Maintenance
Do not place this blade in a dishwasher. It is made from forged steel and has a Pakkawood handle which will not hold up well under constant hot water. Instead, wash and dry by hand and put away in a safe space away from children and pets.
Pros:
- A 6” blade is an excellent all-around option for many kitchen tasks
- VG-MAX steel has high durability and stain resistance
- Comfortable handle for left or right-handed users
Cons:
- A little on the pricier side for beginners
- Extremely sharp out of the box, which is dangerous for amateurs
- Will rust if not adequately dried
2. Enso 8” Chef’s Knife
A uniquely designed hammered Damascus stainless steel blade with the durability and cutting power a left-hander will appreciate.
Enso 8” Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
The hammered Damascus steel is the first thing you will notice about this quality left-hander blade when you take it out of the box. This is a personal design that is pretty 50/50 in the market that we find incredibly appealing. This is also a knife that does not have flexibility, another divisive feature as some prefer a chef’s knife with more agility. However, for those that are left-handed, having a solid blade that provides an excellent counter force while cutting is a surefire way to get the slices you would want for presentation and meal sizing. Just be careful, this is a wickedly sharp blade right from the moment you slice into the first ingredient.
Maintenance
As with most Damascus, even stainless steel versions, you do not want a dishwasher. Stick to hand washing and drying with a non-abrasive cloth, so the hammered effect is not scratched.
Pros:
- Japanese-made VG-10 Damascus stainless steel
- No flexibility for added power when cutting
- Incredible design that will be noticed by friends and family
Cons:
- Some prefer a flexible blade instead
- Food could stick a little to the hammered steel sides
- Longer blade than some may be used to using
3. Hezhen Retro 8.5” Chef Knife – Best Gyuto Knife for Left-Handers
The power of one of the best Gyuto knives we have sampled in a premium blade and handle designed for any left or right-handed.
Hezhen Retro 8.5” Chef Knife Specifications
About the Knife
We were amazed at how light this blade feels in your hand. Given the incredibly durable 110 layered Damascus steel and extended length of 8.5”, we thought it would weigh a lot more. This is not higher on our list because it has a partial tang instead of full. Otherwise, we believe this is a superior option and an excellent gift, primarily due to the Gyuto-style design. Compared to others, you get a ton of versatility with this left-handed chef knife option.
Maintenance
This is true Damascus steel that will rust if exposed to too much water in a dishwasher. You will need to carefully hand wash and dry completely before storing.
Pros:
- Beautiful case and sheath included in the package
- The octagonal handle design prevents slipping
- The gyuto-styled blade is highly versatile
Cons:
- You have to get used to the extreme point at the tip
- Very lightweight blade may not be suitable for larger chefs
- Not much of a bolster to gripping close to blade
4. Yoshihiro Left-Handed Kasumi Deba Knife – Best Left-Handed Deba Knife
A left-handed option for the smashing and fine slicing of a powerful Japanese-styled Deba blade.
Yoshihiro Left-Handed Kasumi Deba Knife Specifications
About the Knife
We hope you are ready for one of the premium blades we have ever tested. This is simply put- a chef knife of extreme quality. This is probably why the price tag is a little higher than you may expect. However, you get a single bevel edge explicitly designed for left-handed users. Combine that with the luxury features and custom benefits of a Deba blade, and you’re in for a treat. If you have used fish at all in your home, this is a left-handed chef knife for you.
Maintenance
Please do not put this fine craftsmanship into a dishwasher. This is an heirloom piece that will last you many, many years if taken well care of. Hand wash and dry carefully and then place back into its sheath before storing.
Pros:
- Luxury features and design quality
- Deba-styled Japanese blade for fish and crushing garlic-like ingredients
- Incredible durability
Cons:
- Not great if you are not used to Deba-style cutting
- High price for a specialized type of blade
- Balance takes a while to get used to
5. Left-Handed 2.75” Paring Knife – Best Paring Knife for Left-Handers
An excellent option for slicing and working with smaller ingredients without slipping out of your hand due to right-handed design.
Left-Handed 2.75” Paring Knife Specifications
About the Knife
True, this is not one of the high-end blades that you will pass down to your children’s children, but that is kind of the point. Everyone needs a reliable paring knife for everyday kitchen tasks, and this fits the bill nicely. Not only that, but it has a single bevel designed just for left-handed users. You have a lighter weight, so you can work around pretty much any fruit or vegetable you would like, and a soft-grip handle that won’t slip out of your hand. Just a great little option for those who love to get more versatility in the kitchen.
Maintenance
You can happily put this into a dishwasher worry-free. Just be sure to dry it off completely when the cycle is done to avoid any staining.
Pros:
- Small and versatile
- Dishwasher safe
- Designed for left-handers
Cons:
- The handle is a little shorter than you’d like
- May require a little sharpening out of the box
- Not designed for thick or heavy ingredients
6. Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Yanagi Sashimi Knife – Best Left-Handed Sashimi Knife
Perfect for left-handed users that enjoy finely carved fish or fresh sushi at home.
Mercer Culinary Asian Collection Yanagi Sashimi Knife Specifications
About the Knife
If you have admired the skill and agility of a sashimi blade, welcome to the beauty of Mercer Culinary. This is an exceptionally well-made blade considering it is stamped and not forged. You get precise resistance against your left-handed slicing for thin sheets of fresh fish and other delicious delights. We were impressed by the length of the blade, yet how well it maintained its balance and lighter weight design. Seriously, an excellent knife for the price point.
Maintenance
Even though the handle is made of Santoprene, we do not recommend putting this into a dishwasher. This long blade can easily get damaged by the different hot water jets. Only use hand washing and drying, and please be careful as this is highly sharp.
Pros:
- A ton of maneuverability for fish
- Excellent balanced considering the length
- Highly sharp for most sashimi ingredients
Cons:
- Really only designed for specific ingredients
- Will rust without proper maintenance
- The handle has excellent grip, but the shape may take a moment to get used to
7. Mercer Culinary M23211 Millennia 10” Bread Knife – Best Left-Handed Bread Serrated Knife
Finally, a quality bread knife for left-handed users that features a grip and slight flexibility for a good cut.
Mercer Culinary M23211 Millennia 10” Bread Knife Specifications
About the Knife
There is not much to say about this excellent choice of a left-handed bread knife. If you have any desire for quality cut fresh or baked bread, you need a reliable bread knife that will do the job well, and this is an affordably priced knife with all the features you could want. The comfort of the handle alone in your left hand is more than worth the price tag. Add on top of that the sharpness and durability, and you have a solid addition to any home or professional kitchen. This would be an excellent choice for food trucks or vendors because it is so reliable and durable.
Maintenance
Hand-wash only and be careful. This is a surprisingly sharp serrated edge that can do some damage if accidentally dropped while washing.
Pros:
- Excellent handle grip
- Great size for working with any kind of bread
- Teeth are sharp enough for meatloaf and fruit
Cons:
- The origin of steel is a little misleading
- Packaging is a little plain
BONUS: Cuisinart 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set – Best Left-Handed Knives Set
Easy to purchase option for getting all the kitchen essentials a left-handed user could want in one fell swoop.
We wanted to include a simplified solution for those left-handed users that may feel overwhelmed by the different types of blades on our list. This is an all-in-one option with everything you could want for a home kitchen. There are optional upgrades for additional items and material quality, but in general, you can expect a chief blade, Santoku, paring knives, steak knives, sharpening steel, and more. If you are left-handed and need a set or are contemplating a gift for a friend, this is a reliable solution.
Maintenance:
None of the blades should be placed into a dishwasher because they are high enough quality that they will get rusted or stained. Hand washing is best, then dry completely before returning to the block.
Pros:
- Easy to organize
- Everything you could want for a home kitchen
- Great appearance and quality
Cons:
- Doesn’t include highly specialized knives
- Paring knives could be a bit more durable
- Takes a bit to remember proper knife placement in the block
Conclusion
We hope this list of the best left-handed chef knives includes everything you need in a quality blade. It should not be as hard as it is for left-handed users to find knives that work across so many ingredients. Our goal was to offer as many options as our team could find that meet our high standards and provide you with a smooth kitchen experience. As always, the right knife for you will depend on your personal use and comfort, but this list is an excellent place to start!
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