Many chef knives are made with an edge ground more on one side, a design that favors right-handed use. A left-handed cook may find that a knife drifts off line or needs more effort. Two fixes exist: a knife made for the left hand, or a symmetrical double-bevel knife that cuts the same for both hands.
The six knives below include one knife that is sold in a left-handed version and five well-known blades that are generally described as having a symmetrical edge, which suits left-handed cooks. We have not used these knives ourselves, and we have not tested them. Details such as blade length, steel and handle material should be confirmed on the current listing before you buy, because makers change models and retailers sell several variants under one name.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bevel | A double bevel is ground evenly on both sides; a single bevel is handed |
| Handle shape | Round or symmetrical handles feel the same in either hand |
| Left-hand version | A few makers sell a mirrored blade for left-handed users |
| Balance | A knife should feel comfortable in a pinch grip |
Specs at a Glance
| Knife | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shun Classic Left | VG-MAX steel, Damascus-clad blade, PakkaWood handle | 8 in blade | Made in a mirrored left-handed version |
| Global G-2 | Stainless steel | 8 in blade | All-steel, hollow handle |
| Wusthof Classic | High-carbon stainless steel, polymer handle | 8 in blade | Forged German style |
| MAC MTH-80 | Molybdenum steel, pakkawood handle | 8 in blade | Hollow edge; light |
| Tojiro DP Gyuto | Cobalt alloy VG-10 core, clad steel | 21 cm blade | Japanese gyuto; double bevel |
| Mercer Genesis | Forged high-carbon German steel, Santoprene handle | 8 in blade | Forged; full bolster |
The 6 Best Chef Knives for Left-Handed Cooks
1. Shun Classic Left-Handed 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
The maker sells this Japanese knife in a version built for left-handed users, with a D-shaped handle designed for the left hand. Confirm on the listing that you are looking at the left-handed model.
Suits: left-handed cooks wanting a dedicated knife. Strengths: a true left-handed version. Weaknesses: a higher cost than basic knives. Skip it if you are right handed or want a budget option.
View Shun Classic Left-Handed 8 Inch Chef’s Knife on Amazon
2. Global G-2 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
A one-piece stainless steel knife with a dimpled handle and a symmetrical shape. Cooks of either hand use it often, and it is known for being light and nimble.
Suits: either-handed use. Strengths: a light, balanced feel. Weaknesses: a thin handle that some find small. Skip it if you prefer a wood handle.
View Global G-2 8 Inch Chef’s Knife on Amazon
3. Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
A German forged knife with a full bolster and a symmetrical triple-riveted handle. The edge is generally ground evenly, so it works for the left hand.
Suits: a durable, weighty knife. Strengths: strong build and balance. Weaknesses: a heavier feel. Skip it if you want a lightweight Japanese-style blade.
View Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife on Amazon
4. MAC Professional MTH-80 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
A Japanese chef knife with a hollow-edge blade and a straight, symmetrical handle. It is light for its size, and the edge is generally described as even.
Suits: light, sharp slicing. Strengths: a keen edge. Weaknesses: a thinner blade that needs care. Skip it if you do a lot of heavy chopping.
View MAC Professional MTH-80 8 Inch Chef’s Knife on Amazon
5. Tojiro DP Gyuto 21 cm Chef’s Knife
A Japanese gyuto with a hard core steel clad in softer stainless. The double-bevel edge suits both hands, and the Western-style handle is symmetrical.
Suits: a step-up Japanese knife. Strengths: edge retention and value. Weaknesses: a lower tolerance for twisting. Skip it if you tend to pry or twist with the blade.
View Tojiro DP Gyuto 21 cm Chef’s Knife on Amazon
6. Mercer Culinary Genesis 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
A forged knife with a full tang and a grippy handle that makes a good entry point. Its symmetrical grind and handle suit left-handed cooks.
Suits: a budget-minded left-hander. Strengths: a solid, forged feel. Weaknesses: less refined finish than premium knives. Skip it if you want a thin Japanese edge.
View Mercer Culinary Genesis 8 Inch Chef’s Knife on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash by hand and dry right away.
- Hone along the length of the edge at a steady angle.
- Sharpen on a stone or have a pro do it.
- Store it in a sheath or on a magnetic strip.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming any knife works for the left hand.
- Buying a single-bevel blade without checking the hand.
- Gripping too far back on the handle.
- Using a dull knife because it feels safer.
Left-Handed Chef Knife FAQ
Do left-handed cooks need a special chef knife?
Not always. A symmetrical double-bevel knife works for both hands. A left-handed knife is simply another option.
How can I tell if a knife is double bevel?
Look at the edge from the tip. If the cutting edge sits in the middle and both sides slope, it is a double bevel.
Are Japanese knives harder to use left-handed?
Some are single bevel and made for right-handed use. Most Western-style chef knives have a symmetrical edge and are fine.
The Short Version
For a dedicated left-handed knife, the Shun Classic Left-Handed. For a light one-piece steel knife, the Global G-2. For a heavy German blade, the Wusthof Classic. For a keen Japanese edge, the MAC MTH-80. For a step-up gyuto, the Tojiro DP. For a forged budget pick, the Mercer Genesis.