Today’s post is all about tools to make cutting easier. If you follow me regularly, you know I’m all about sharing tips and tools that can make things easier. The Ease of Use Commendation program by the Arthritis Foundation focuses on this as well. All of the products in the Ease-of-Use Commendation program, like the two below, have been rigorously tested in an independent scientific lab and have all been proven easy to use for people with arthritis and physical limitations.

I was raised using Fiskars and currently use their 9″ Razor Edge Shears when I’m cutting something tougher, like fabric. I compared those to the Ease of Use Fiskars Easy-Action Scissors No. 8, using an old cotton t-shirt. The first thing I noticed was how much comfier the Easy-Action Scissors (pictured on the right) were to hold. This was also evident when I needed to firmly push the blades together (like when you’re cutting through multiple layers of fabric), especially on my thumbs. The Softgrip not only helps make it comfortable, but it also keeps your fingers from slipping around while cutting. That combined with the fact that you don’t have to jerk the handles open to make another cut (because of the spring-action), makes cutting in a straight line much easier. These scissors are great!

The only negative I found was that the spring-action design opens the scissors so wide that someone with smaller hands, has to stretch out to grab them when fully open. Personally, my hands are on the smaller side (I wear size small gloves), but they’re not abnormally small, for a woman. This is not really an issue when continuing to cut a line, as you’re constantly holding the scissors. When cutting six layers of fabric my razor edged scissors worked better, even though they made no difference with four layers. If you cut thicker items, I’d consider upgrading one step to the Easy Action Razor-edge Scissors.

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For slicing bread and tough meats I usually use my Wusthof Culinar Bread Knife which is balanced and ergonomic. I have always loved that knife, but was blown away using the Ease of Use Dexter DuoGlide Bread/Slicer Knife (pictured on the left). It worked so well cutting a stale artisan loaf that I was wondering what the trick was! It sliced fast and easily through the crust and required less sawing motions. This meant that I didn’t have to hold the loaf of bread as hard, which was nice for my non-cutting wrist. The gripper handle held my hand in place and eliminated the need to support the top of the knife with my index finger. It simply works much better and will now be my go-to bread knife. It even has a lifetime guarantee!

Have you tried either of these products?

Disclaimer: The only compensation I received was product samples. This review is comprised of my own, personal opinions.