Preparing and cooking meals can be a challenge if you have arthritis in your hands, or have limited arm or wrist mobility. Adaptive kitchen knives are knives that are specifically designed for this purpose.
They come in a variety of ergonomic designs that maximize cutting efficiency, while reducing finger and hand pain experienced when slicing or cutting. They also have handles that are easy to grip and comfortable to hold.
In this article, we discuss adaptive kitchen knives for arthritis and arthritic hands. We also provide excellent options for different types of adaptive knives, ranging from knives with upright handles, rolling knives, rocker knives, and knives with large, soft and ergonomically-designed handles.
What are Adaptive Kitchen Knives?
Adaptive knives are knives that are designed for people who have a weak or unstable grip and/or limited mobility in their arms and wrists. This could be due to arthritis, an injured dominant arm, or other reasons. Adaptive knives are ergonomically designed to make cutting, slicing, and chopping easier and less painful.
People with arthritis sometimes justify eating more prepared meals because food preparation is challenging. But that need not be the case. Those with arthritis shouldn’t have to sacrifice healthy eating just because preparing fresh foods is more time consuming. Luckily, there are several effective adaptive knife alternatives available.
But first, let’s take a look at some of the things we look for in quality adaptive cutlery.
What to Look for in Adaptive Kitchen Knives?
Weight
The number one consideration when purchasing an adaptive knife is weight. You want to be able to lift the knife easily. If you can’t life a knife easily, it will be difficult to slice or chop anything.
Handle Size
Look for a knife that has a thicker handle, as this will allow you hold it securely without having to tighten your hands. We have found that adaptive knives with vertical hands work well. But they take some time getting used to.
Handle Softness
Where possible, look for a knife with a soft handle as this will keep the knife secure in your hand. It will also make it more comfortable when handing.
Slicing Motion
There are different variations of adaptive knives, and each has its own slicing dynamics. Experiment with different knives to see what works best for your needs. In general, reducing motion is best. Slicing back and forth, for example, is not ideal if you have arthritis. Knives that have an angled blade can be used in a rocking motion which require less effort and are safer.
Blade Type
The type of blade is an important consideration when searching for an appropriate adaptive knife. Are you looking for a short pairing knife, or a long bread knife? How about a serrated or non-serrated blade? Serrated blades work particularly well for textured surfaces, such as crusty breads of pizzas.
Designed for Arthritic Hands
If you have arthritis, choose an adaptive kitchen knife that has been specifically designed to maximize comfort and minimize fatigue. Look for the Ease of Use Commendation by the Arthritis Foundation.
What Adaptive Kitchen Knives Are Best?
While everyone has their own preferences, we recommend two knife brands for arthritic hands: Dexter-Russell DuoGlide and Oxo Good Grips. These companies make a wide range of adaptive kitchen knives, and have products are are endorsed by an arthritis organization.
The Dexter Russell DuoGlide knives, for example, won the Ease of Use designation from the Arthritis Foundation while Oxo Good Grips products won the Tylenol/Arthritis Foundation design award.
Best Kitchen Knives for Arthritic Hands
Dexter-Russell DuoGlide 8″ All Purpose Chef’s Knife
- Textured, ultra-soft and comfortable handle chef’s knife ideal for cutting, slicing, chopping, and mincing fruit and vegetables
- Wide, sharp, high carbon 8-inch steel blade that is individually ground for the ultimate edge
- Corrosion resistant blade featuring a professional grade cross polish
Features:
- Blade material: high carbon steel
- Blade length: 8″
- Weight: 7 ounces
The Dexter-Russell DuoGlide 8″ Chef’s Knife is a great all-purpose kitchen knife, allowing you to comfortably slice, chop, or mince a variety of foods.
This knife features a wide blade for enhanced control. It also has a unique design that puts your hand directly over the food, allowing for easier cutting with minimal effort.
The DuoGlide uses Dexter-Russell’s blade technology to produce a durable blade that is extremely sharp. The knife is constructed from high-carbon stainless steel, allowing the cutting edge to retain its sharpness. The blade is corrosion-resistant, and features a professional grade cross polish.
It also comes with a very soft, textured handle that can be gripped in multiple ways for more comfort, control and less fatigue.
Pros
- Recipient of the Arthritis Foundations Ease‐of‐Use Commendation
- Ultra soft, textured handle for comfort and less fatigue
- Corrosion-resistant blade
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Not dishwasher safe
Dexter Russell DuoGlide 5″ Utility Knife
- Model : 40013
- Recipient of the Arthritis Foundations Ease-of-Use Commendation
- Designed for Greater Comfort, Less Fatigue
Features:
- Blade material: stainless Steel
- Blade length: 5″
- Length: 5.8″
The DuoGlide 5″ Utility Knife is similar to the DuoGlide 8″ Chef’s Knife reviewed above, but in a more compact form.
This is great for everyday food preparation, and offers the same features as the Chef’s knife. These include Dexter-Russell’s proprietary blade technology and soft, textured handle. We like this handle as is can be gripped in multiple ways for less fatigue and increased comfort and control.
Pros
- Recipient of the Arthritis Foundations Ease‐of‐Use Commendation
- Ultra soft textured handle for comfort and less fatigue
- Corrosion-resistant blade and handle
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Not dishwasher safe
Best Right Angle Adaptive Knives
Adaptive right angle kitchen knives feature an angled handle that is positioned roughly perpendicular to the cutting surface. The handle allows users to position their hand in a more natural upright manner.
Angled adaptive kitchen knives reduce the finger and wrist movements that are typically needed when slicing or cutting with a regular knife. Many reviewers with wrist/hand orthopedic issues have referred to these knives as game changing.
Angled adaptive knives are not only effective for people who have arthritis. They have a unique shape that takes getting used to. However, they are very effective for people who have limited mobility, a weakened grip or those who only have use of one hand due to injuries.
Dexter-Russell 6″ Forward Right Angle Knife
- A forward right angle boning knife
- Blade is made of high carbon steel that prevents staining
- Ergonomic, textured, slip-resistant polypropylene handle
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Blade length: 6″
- Handle length: 5″
- Weight: ~3.75 ounces
We start our line-up with a right angle knife from Dexter-Russell, a trusted professional knife brand.
Reviewers comment that the blade is extremely sharp. Made of high carbon steel that prevents staining, it has been individually ground and maintains a very sharp, honed edge.
The knife also features an ergonomic, slip-resistant, and textured handle made of food-sanitary polypropylene.
Overall, an excellent option for those who have limited mobility or a weakened grip and prefer a more natural upright wrist position.
Pros
- Ergonomic, textured, slip-resistant polypropylene handle
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
Cons
- Some have commented that it doesn’t hold an edge after sharpening
ABLE-T 6″ Forward Right Angle Knife (Approved by a Certified Occupational Therapist)
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Blade length: 6″
- Handle length: 5″
- Weight: ~3.75 ounces
If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option, ABLE-T makes a great quality right angle knife. ABLE-T is a small business that was founded by an occupational therapist and an engineer, partnering to create affordable adaptive tools.
As with the option from Dexter-Russell, reviewers comment that the blade is extremely sharp. It is also made of high carbon steel that prevents staining, which is ground and maintains a sharp, honed edge.
The knife also features an ergonomic, slip-resistant textured handle made of food sanitary polypropylene.
Pros
- Ergonomic, textured, slip-resistant polypropylene handle
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Lacks the brand recognition of Dexter-Russell
ETAC-19013 Ergonomic Relieve 4.5″ Angled Carving Knife
- Weight 3.8 oz 108 g
- Blade: Stainless steel, 4.5″ Long
- Handle: Polyamide plastic
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Blade length: 4.5″
- Handle length: 5″
- Weight: ~3.75 ounces
Similar to both Dexter-Russell and ABLE-T, ETAC Relieve knives also feature an angled handle and sharp edge. However, the ETAC is serrated which makes slicing much easier, from soft vegetables to crusty pizza.
The blade is constructed of high carbon steel that prevents staining. Like the other right angled knives reviewed here, the handle is made from sanitary polypropylene and has an ergonomic oval shape for a stable grip. The top of the handle is also smoothly curved, giving the thumb a comfortable position.
With near perfect reviews, this is a great adaptive knife for carving.
Pros
- Excellent blade sharpness
- Serrated blade cuts through a variety of items effortlessly
- Versatile
- Ergonomic and secure grip
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
Cons
- The most expensive right angle knife reviewed here
Best Rocker Adaptive Knives
Rocker-style adaptive knives are great options for those who find chopping with a knife difficult due to arthritis or reduced hand strength.
Rocker knives are extremely useful in the kitchen for chopping, dicing, or mincing a variety of foods. With a slow rocking motion, you can efficiently cut fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, spices, cheeses, meats while minimizing hand pain or fatigue. They’re great at slicing pizza and cooked meat as well.
Let’s take a look at some options.
Amco Mezzaluna Rocker Knife with Silicone Handle
- Multifunctional Use: A versatile kitchen gadget for mincing or chopping a range of foods, from fruits, vegetables, and nuts to cooked meats and pizza.
- Effortless Efficiency: Chop and mince herbs, fruits, and vegetables with ease. Utilizing a simple rocking motion, it makes kitchen cutting tasks a breeze.
- Easy to Use: Featuring a non-slip silicone handle to provide a comfortable grip, for those with reduced hand strength, making chopping easier for everyone.
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Blade length: 12 cm
- Item length: 6.3″
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
The Mezzaluna rocker knife is another excellent adaptive knife option to consider. It is made by Amco Houseworks, an award-winning brand that has been making cooking products since the 1970s.
The Mezzaluna features a silicone grip that is comfortable to hold and allows for a secure grip. The Mezzaluna is a perfect tool for anyone who finds chopping with a knife difficult because of arthritis or reduced hand strength.
The knife features a super sharp blade with a beveled edge, and made from stainless steel. It is also dishwasher safe, making clean-up a snap. However, Amco recommend hand washing the knife if possible to extend the life of the product
Measuring 6.5″ x 4.5″, the Mezzaluna will make light work of almost any cutting tasks in your kitchen.
Pros
- Excellent blade sharpness
- Very affordable
- Versatile for all types of foods
- Ergonomic and secure grip
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some have found that it doesn’t hold a sharpened edge
- Others comment that it was awkward to use
Checkered Chef Mezzaluna Rocker Knife
- The easiest way to chop and mince herbs and vegetables – using an effortless rocking motion, your new mezzaluna veggie cutter will make light work of kitchen cutting tasks.
- Onion, cucumber, lettuce, chocolate, nuts, herbs or the easiest chopped salad you’ll ever make – you’ll find so many uses for your new Checkered Chef mezzaluna knife.
- Discover the salad chopper secret – simply add your fresh vegetables into a bowl and then start rocking! You’ll have fresh, perfectly chopped salad in seconds!
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Blade length: 12 cm
- Item length: 6.3″
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
The Checkered Chef rocker-style adaptive kitchen knife is another great option that gets excellent reviews.
This knife comes with an ergonomically designed polypropylene handle and a super sharp blade that holds its edge. It is also dishwasher safe which makes clean-up a snap. Unlike the Amco, this knife comes with a handy sheath which comes in handy when storing.
Both the Amco and Checkered Chef rocker-style knives are quite affordable at under $20.
Pros
- Excellent blade sharpness
- Very affordable
- Versatile
- Ergonomic and secure grip
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some have found that it doesn’t hold a sharpened edge
- Others comment that it was awkward to use
DMI Vertical Grip Rocker Knife
- STEAK KNIFE CUTS EASILY THROUGH MOST FOODS with an effortless rocking motion. Cutting cake, vegetables or meat is quick and easy with minimal motion and smooth downward force. Specially designed for individuals with limited hand mobility
- ROCKER KNIFE ERGONOMIC VERTICAL GRIP DESIGN PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL CONTROL while increasing downward cutting force and limiting hand slippage
- CURVED KNIFE features a STAINLESS STEEL BLADE with an included snap on cover for safety
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Item length: 6.5″
- Blade length: 2.25″
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
The DMI curved cutting kitchen knife is perfect for those with limited hand strength, mobility and dexterity that want a quality knife for fruit, veggies, meats, and cakes. It’s also great for arm amputees and for those without use of their dominant hand due to injuries.
This knife is designed to slice through a variety of foods with an effortless rocking motion. The upright handle is designed to increase downward cutting force, which allows foods to be cut with ease while limiting hand slippage.
The ergonomic grip design provides a comfortable grip and exceptional control. The DMI rocker knife features a durable curved blade made of stainless steel. It is also dishwasher save for fast clean-up.
BONUS: The DMI rocker knife comes with a convenient snap-on cover. This cover ensures that the blade stays sharp when not in use, and is perfect for travelling.
Pros
- Excellent blade sharpness
- Affordable and versatile
- Ergonomic and secure grip
- Trusted quality
- High number of positive reviews
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with convenient snap-on cover
Cons
- No major cons, although the vertical hand position takes some getting used to
Best Circular Adaptive Knives
We round out our review of the best adaptive knives with the circular rolling kitchen knife.
Like the right angled adaptive knives and rocker-style knives, the circular knives are designed to minimize hand fatigue when preparing food. Circular adaptive knives are both clever and simple. The challenge with this design, however, is that food has a tendency to get caught in the blade housing.
That said, cutting is extremely efficient. And any food that gets lodged inside the blade housing can be easily washed away.
Universal Circular Rolling Kitchen Knife
- Slice, Dice & Chop! Rolling blade for cutting efficiency
- Prepare vegetables and fruits quickly, Use for cutting dough, pizzas and pies
- Ergonomic handle with easy to use brake, 360 degree rotating.
Features:
- Blade material: stainless steel
- Item length: 6″ diameter
- Weight: 7.4 ounces
This universal circular rolling blade is another excellent alternative to traditional knives for those with limited hand and arm strength. The rolling blade can be used to slice, dice and even chop. Great for fruits and vegetables, as well as for cutting dough and slicing pizza and pies.
The ergonomic handle is designed to minimize hand fatigue. It also comes with an easy to use hand brake. Purchase this knife with peace of mind, with a 5 year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
BONUS: Knife comes with a free pastry blade.
Pros
- Excellent blade sharpness
- Highly unique, yet versatile circular cutting design
- Ergonomic and secure grip with brake
- High number of positive reviews
- 5 year limited warranty
Cons
- Plastic housing may not last
- While reviewers loved the unique cutting ability, some complained that it can be difficult to clean
Sharp Knives Are Safer Than Dull Knives
Ironically, sharp knives are much safer than dull knives. This rule applies for both regular knives and adaptive knives. The duller the knife blade, the harder one needs to push down to make a cut which requires more downward force. And the harder you press, the higher the probability that your knife will slip and cut a finger.
In addition, a sharp knife is also less likely to cause chronic orthopedic issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains, tendinitis, strains and other repetitive motion problems. Regardless of whether or not you decide to purchase an adaptive knife, consider investing in a good knife sharpener.
Working with a sharp knife will reduce the probability of developing longer-term chronic hand injuries. It might also just help save one of your digits.
Read More >>> How to Sharpen Knives with Serrated Edges
Conclusion
We hope you found this article about adaptive kitchen knives for arthritis useful. There are many different types of adaptive knives available. These range from angled knives with upright handles, rocker-style knives, as well as rolling knives – not to mention kitchen knives with large, soft, and ergonomically designed handles. Experiment to see which style works best for you.
Having arthritis can be frustrating. But there’s no need to avoid healthy eating just because preparing fresh foods is challenging. Try an adaptive kitchen knife today – you’ll be glad you did.