Ease of Use: DuoGlide Sweep Chefs Knife

   

The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation recognizes products proven to make life easier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. These products are independently tested by experts and evaluated by people with arthritis. I have been asked to review a number of Ease-of-Use products during May, Arthritis Awareness Month in the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in her hands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well. 

When I first saw the DuoGlide Chef’s Knife, I was reminded of the great quote from Crocodile Dundee: "that's not a knife … that’s a knife.” Big knives make me nervous and I am very grateful that I have attendants who take care of the cutting and chopping for me. Since my mother cooks, she was the natural candidate to test the knife.

The product description tells us that this knife has a unique design for more control and minimized effort. The handle is soft and textured, giving an easy, secure grip. The blade itself is "corrosion resistant, high carbon stainless steel," ground, honed, polished, etc. It's supposed to offer "precise control and reduce wrist, arm or hand discomfort." It also comes in paring knife, utility knife and bread slicer.

As a knife, it's excellent. My mother said it cuts exceptionally well and she will definitely continue to use it after the review period is over. The handle was very comfortable to grip and as you can see in this picture

it allows you to cut without bending your wrist, something that can be very difficult for people who have arthritis in their hands. Previously, I have had this problem solved for me by getting specially made knives where the handle is at a 90° angle to the blade, but that looks sort of very obviously like adaptive equipment. I like that this knife looks like normal knife, while making it easier for people with arthritis to use.

Judging this knife on the basis of someone like me who has significant damage, deformity and strength/dexterity issues is not fair. I did try it and couldn't use it. I don't know if there was a strength or position issue or both. It definitely cuts better when you're standing up and can put some weight behind the downward cut. However, people who are as disabled as I am by arthritis will probably have assistance or the kind of knives that have the 90° angle between blade and handle.

Overall, the DuoGlide Chef's Knife is a definite win. It comes highly recommended by my mother and that's as good as it gets.

Other bloggers involved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life with Holden.