Special Purpose Knife - Seeking Input (please help)

A

Anthony

Joined
Jun 11, 1999
Messages
47
Hello Everyone,

I am friends with a legally blind woman who has a very hard time using many types of knife for the usual tasks found in a suburban household. It is my opinion that this is more of a problem with the inferior brands of knives she has been using rather than her limited vision. She is on a limited income so I would like to buy her a single knife for use in a wide range of tasks including food preparation, opening packages, crafts, and for self defense in an emergency. Her hands are tapered with long fingers and about the size of the average sized male hand.

Can anyone make some specific suggestions of custom makers or models with exceptionally well designed handles that feel particularly good in the hand and index especially well so that she can minimize her chances of cutting her hands?

I realize this is a highly subjective question, but any input would at least put me on the right path of where to start looking at a minimum.

My initial though would be a fixed or folding blade with a 3 to 4 inch single sided blade with a utility minded shape made from a good stainless steel (e.g., D-2) with a handle material that is impervious to blood and other liquids so the knife could be easily cleaned for food preparation.

Thoughts?
 
I'd go for a fixed blade. Closing a folder is probably the most dangerous part of using it.

Given her needs, I am not sure a custom is the solution. A good quality, dishwasher safe paring knife seems to be what she needs (dishwasher safe is another way to reduce opportunities for accidents).

I am not convinced steel performance should be a primary concern in this case. Any higher quality retail brand should have what you need.
 
just a thought... The Roselli knives have excellent handles and a UHC blade would work for weeks or months without sharpening, and if needed the simple scandi bevel could be easily sharpened by feel. The lightweight also allows more detailed blade and tip work by feel. The larger wood handles are very ergonomic and grippy- the lack of a guard wouldn't concern me. I favor the carpenter's knife for general use.
alternatively, something with finger grooves and a 3-4" drop point. I would keep overall weight to a minimum to transfer more feel to the hand.
 
Check out a hide away knife. I think it would be perfect because she can simply slip her fingers in and not have to worry about dropping it or letting go of it all the time. :thumbup:
 
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