If you're left-handed, you've likely experienced the frustration of using standard scissors. The blades seem to push material away rather than cutting it cleanly. The handles dig uncomfortably into your fingers. And you can never quite see the cutting line. These aren't just minor inconveniences—using incorrect scissors can cause fatigue, poor results, and even repetitive strain injuries over time.
Approximately 10% of the world's population is left-handed, yet the vast majority of scissors are designed for right-handed use. Understanding why standard scissors fail left-handers and how to find proper alternatives can dramatically improve your cutting experience, whether you're a professional hairdresser, dedicated crafter, or simply trying to wrap a present.
Why Standard Scissors Don't Work for Left-Handers
The problem isn't just about handle shape—it's fundamentally about blade mechanics. When you look at a pair of standard scissors with the blades pointing away from you, the left blade sits on top. This design is intentional for right-handed users. When a right-handed person cuts, their natural grip pushes the blades together at the cutting point, ensuring clean contact.
When a left-handed person uses these same scissors, their natural grip actually pushes the blades apart at the cutting point. Instead of shearing cleanly, the material gets wedged between the slightly separated blades. The result is folded paper, frayed fabric, and hair that bends rather than cuts.
There's another issue: visibility. When right-handers cut, the upper blade is on the right side, allowing a clear view of the cutting line. Left-handers using standard scissors have the upper blade blocking their view. They must awkwardly lean over the scissors or cut blind, leading to less precise results.
True Left-Handed Scissors Explained
Genuine left-handed scissors have their blades reversed—the left blade sits underneath when viewed from above. This allows left-handed users' natural grip to push the blades together rather than apart. The cutting action becomes smooth and effortless, exactly as right-handers experience with standard scissors.
Additionally, true left-handed scissors have handle ergonomics designed for the left hand. The thumb hole is shaped to fit comfortably when the left thumb is inserted, and any finger rests or contours are positioned appropriately. This might seem like a minor detail, but during extended cutting sessions, properly fitted handles make a significant difference in comfort and control.
What to Look For
- Reversed blade assembly: The key feature—blades positioned for left-hand cutting mechanics
- Left-hand ergonomic handles: Thumb and finger holes shaped for left-hand comfort
- Explicit "left-handed" labelling: Not just "ambidextrous" or "universal"
- Proper finger rest position: If present, should accommodate the left pinky naturally
Many scissors marketed as "ambidextrous" or "suitable for left or right hand" simply have symmetrical handles. The blade orientation remains right-handed. While these may be more comfortable to hold, they still won't cut properly for left-handers. Always look for scissors specifically stating "left-handed blades" or similar.
Options for Different Purposes
Professional Hairdressing
Left-handed hairdressing scissors are essential for left-handed stylists. Major manufacturers like Jaguar, Matsui, and Joewell produce high-quality left-handed shears with the same features as their right-handed equivalents. Expect to pay similar prices to right-handed professional scissors. The selection may be slightly smaller, but quality left-handed options exist at every price point.
Some left-handed hairdressers have learned to cut right-handed, but this requires significant adaptation and can feel unnatural. Using proper left-handed shears allows you to cut in the way that feels most comfortable while achieving optimal results.
Sewing and Fabric Scissors
Quality left-handed fabric scissors are available from brands like Fiskars and Kai. These are particularly important for dressmaking and quilting, where precise cutting directly affects the finished product. Dressmaking shears with left-handed blade orientation cut fabric cleanly without fraying, even through multiple layers.
Kitchen Scissors
While perhaps less critical than professional scissors, left-handed kitchen shears still improve the cooking experience. When breaking down poultry or cutting through tough packaging, proper blade orientation makes the task easier and safer. Several manufacturers offer left-handed kitchen scissors with the same features as their right-handed models.
General Household and Office
For everyday cutting tasks, left-handed scissors are widely available and affordable. Brands like Fiskars, Westcott, and Maped produce left-handed versions of their popular household scissors. Investing in a few pairs for home and office means you'll always have appropriate scissors available.
Children's Scissors
Left-handed children particularly benefit from proper scissors. Learning to cut is challenging enough without fighting against wrong-handed tools. Left-handed children's scissors help develop proper cutting technique and fine motor skills without frustration. Look for blunt-tip safety scissors with true left-handed blade orientation.
If your child is left-handed, consider sending left-handed scissors to school with them. Classroom scissors are almost always right-handed. Teachers may not realise the importance of proper scissors, so providing your child with appropriate tools ensures they can participate fully in craft activities.
Adapting Cutting Technique
Even with proper left-handed scissors, some technique adjustments can improve your cutting. When possible, position material so the waste piece is on your right side. This keeps the cutting line visible over the top blade. Apply gentle inward pressure on the blades as you cut—this enhances the blade contact that proper left-handed scissors already facilitate.
If you must occasionally use right-handed scissors, try this workaround: apply outward thumb pressure as you cut, pushing against the natural grip tendency. This counteracts the blade-spreading problem, though it's fatiguing and not recommended for regular use. It's a temporary solution for situations where left-handed scissors aren't available.
Caring for Left-Handed Scissors
Left-handed scissors require the same maintenance as right-handed ones. Clean after use, oil the pivot periodically, store properly, and have them professionally sharpened when needed. One additional consideration: clearly mark your left-handed scissors if they're used in a shared environment. Right-handed users attempting to use left-handed scissors will find them just as frustrating as the reverse situation—and may incorrectly conclude the scissors are defective.
- Standard scissors physically cannot cut properly for left-handers
- True left-handed scissors have reversed blade orientation
- "Ambidextrous" scissors usually don't solve the blade problem
- Quality left-handed options exist for all scissor categories
- Proper scissors prevent fatigue and improve cutting results
- Left-handed children especially benefit from appropriate scissors
Where to Find Left-Handed Scissors in Australia
Left-handed scissors are more readily available than ever before. Office supply stores typically stock basic left-handed options. Craft stores often carry left-handed fabric scissors. Specialty retailers and online stores offer the widest selection, including professional-grade options. When shopping online, filter for "left-handed" specifically and read descriptions carefully to confirm true left-handed blade orientation.
Investing in proper left-handed scissors is one of the simplest ways to improve your cutting experience. The difference between struggling with wrong-handed scissors and effortlessly cutting with proper tools is remarkable. Once you experience smooth, clean cuts with left-handed scissors, you'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.