Limited Edition Collector Blades
Best Knife for Left-Handed Cooks: Single vs Double Bevel
What's the best knife for left-handed cooks? Any double-bevel (symmetrical) knife, meaning the edge is ground on both sides, works equally well in either hand. That covers almost all Western chef's knives and most Japanese-style chef's knives, santokus and nakiris. The ones to avoid, unless they're made specifically left-handed, are single-bevel Japanese knives like yanagiba, deba and usuba. Dalstrong lists its Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife ($79) as double bevel with an ambidextrous handle design, and the Dalstrong Shogun 7" Santoku ($159) as double bevel.
Which knives work for lefties?
| Knife type | Bevel | Good for lefties? |
|---|---|---|
| Western chef's knife | Double | Yes |
| Gyuto, santoku, nakiri, bunka | Usually double | Usually; check the listing |
| Bread knife (serrated) | Often serrated on one side | Works, but may steer; lefty versions exist |
| Yanagiba, deba, usuba | Single | Only if made left-handed |
| Asymmetric grinds (e.g., 70/30) | Double, uneven | Usable; best if re-ground or bought lefty |
Single bevel vs double bevel
A double-bevel knife is sharpened on both faces, so the edge sits in the middle and cuts straight whichever hand holds it. A single-bevel knife is sharpened on one face only, traditionally the right side, so it steers food in one direction. That's great for paper-thin sashimi in a right hand, but awkward in a left. Single-bevel knives are usually labeled clearly. Dalstrong's yanagiba, for example, is listed as "single bevel" in its name, so check before you buy a Japanese specialty knife.
Left-handed-friendly Dalstrong knives
| Dalstrong knife | Price | Steel | Hardness | Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife | $79 | German X50CrMoV15 stainless | 54–56 HRC | G10, full tang, triple riveted |
| Dalstrong Gladiator 7" Santoku | $79 | German X50CrMoV15 | 54–56 HRC | G10, full tang, NSF certified |
| Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife | $129 | AUS-10V Japanese steel core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ HRC | G10, full tang |
| Dalstrong Shogun 7" Santoku | $159 | AUS-10V core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ HRC | G10, full tang |
| Dalstrong Shogun 6" Nakiri | $159 | AUS-10V core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ HRC | G10, full tang |
Dalstrong's product pages describe the Gladiator chef's knife and Shogun santoku as double bevel. Check each listing for the bevel before buying any specialty knife.
How to choose in 7 steps
- Look for "double bevel" or "symmetrical" on the listing.
- Avoid single-bevel knives unless they're made left-handed.
- Check the handle. D-shaped Japanese handles are often right-handed. Oval, octagonal and Western handles suit either hand.
- Pick a shape: chef's knife, santoku or nakiri. See Best Knife for Vegetables.
- Pick a steel. See Japanese vs German Knives.
- Consider a bread knife carefully. Some serrated blades steer. Test or look for a left-handed version.
- Sharpen symmetrically to keep a double bevel centered.
Checklist
- Double bevel confirmed
- Handle not D-shaped for right hands
- Shape chosen
- Sharpening both sides evenly
Common mistakes
- Buying a yanagiba for sushi without checking the hand. Most are right-handed single bevel.
- Assuming all Japanese knives are single bevel. Most gyutos, santokus and nakiris are double bevel.
- Ignoring handle shape. Right-handed D handles feel wrong in a left hand.
- Sharpening only one side. It shifts the edge over time.
How we picked
We only list knives Dalstrong currently sells, with prices, steels and hardness taken from each live product page on November 3, 2026. We left out edge-angle figures on purpose: they vary with sharpening and aren't a reliable way to compare knives. Where we give general guidance, like sizes or bevel types, it describes typical knives in that category, so always check the specific listing before you buy. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.
Keep it sharp
Whatever you choose, use a wood or plastic cutting board, hone regularly, sharpen when honing stops helping, and hand wash and dry the knife right away. See Honing vs Sharpening and Can You Put Knives in the Dishwasher?.
Frequently asked questions
Do left-handed people need special knives?
Not for most knives. Double-bevel knives, which include most chef's knives, santokus and nakiris, work in either hand. Only single-bevel Japanese knives need a left-handed version.
Are Japanese knives good for left-handed cooks?
Most Japanese chef's knives (gyuto), santokus and nakiris are double bevel and fine. Single-bevel knives like yanagiba and deba are usually right-handed.
Is a santoku left-handed friendly?
Usually, yes, because most santokus are double bevel. Dalstrong lists its Shogun 7" Santoku as double bevel.
What is a double-bevel knife?
A knife sharpened on both sides of the blade, so the edge is centered and cuts straight in either hand.
Are Dalstrong knives good for left-handed users?
Dalstrong lists its Gladiator chef's knife as double bevel with an ambidextrous design, and its Shogun santoku as double bevel. Check each listing for specialty knives.
Prices and specs are from each brand's own product pages, checked November 3, 2026. Prices change often. Sources: Dalstrong chef's, santoku and nakiri product pages.
