Left-handed people know that scissors are generally designed for right-handed users. It’s not meant to exclude left-handers; there are simply more right-handed people in the world. It’s estimated that only around 10 to 12 percent of the global population is left-handed. It’s important to find the best left handed scissors for kids because they’re still learning to cut with scissors and you don’t want them to get frustrated by this fine motor skill at such an early age.
Left-handed scissors don’t look much different. If you’re paying attention, though, you’ll notice that when you open a left-handed pair of scissors, the tip of the left blade (the one facing outwards) goes up, and the tip of the right blade goes down. We go into detail about the difference between left-handed and right-handed scissors separately.
Keep reading to find out a little more about scissors for lefties and see some reviews of left-handed scissors that might make the cut for your child. (Pun intended.)
Table of Contents
- 1 In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks for Kids Left Handed Scissors…
- 2 Does My Child Need Left Handed Scissors?
- 3 How to Choose Scissors for a Left Handed Child
- 4 Best Left Handed Children’s Scissors
- 4.1 Staedtler Noris Club Small Left Handed Scissors for Children
- 4.2 Lefty’s Left Handed Child Size Blunt Tip Scissors
- 4.3 Lefty’s Youth Sized True Left-Handed Scissors with Pointed Tips
- 4.4 Fiskars Back to School Supplies, Left Handed Student Kids Scissors, 7 Inch and 5 Inch
- 4.5 Maped Kids Sensoft Scissors with Flexible Handles, 6.33 Inch, Pointed Tip
- 4.6 Westcott Left-Handed Scissors For Kids Blunt and Pointed Tip
- 4.7 Kinderific Left Handed Scissors for Kids and Schools, Soft Grip Pack of 6
- 4.8 OneName 6 Pack 5 Inch Left hand Blunt Tip Scissors for School Students
- 4.9 Mudder Loop Handle Self-Opening Scissors
In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks for Kids Left Handed Scissors…
BEST OVERALL
Lefty’s Left Handed Child Size Blunt Tip Scissors
- 5.5″ length
- Soft silicone grips
- Blunt tips
RUNNER UP
Fiskars Back to School Supplies Left Handed Student Kids Scissors
- 5″ and 7″ lengths
- Softgrip handle
- Blunt tips and safety blades on 5″ and pointed tips on 7″
BEST VALUE PACK
Kinderific Left Handed Soft Grip Scissors Pack of 6
- 5.5″ length
- Softgrip handle
- Blunt tips
Does My Child Need Left Handed Scissors?
It’s not an easy task to cut out a shape with scissors designed for use with the other hand. If you don’t believe that, try cutting out a circle with your right hand and a pair of left-handed scissors. You’ll notice what the issue is right away.
Because of the way the scissors open, you are unable to see the line you’re trying to follow. The blade is in the way. Another issue is that your natural finger movements tend to easily create enough tension to pull the blades together as they close so that they actually cut whatever material you’re holding. But that’s only if you’re using the right pair of scissors for you. If not, your natural cutting tendency will instead pull the blades apart, thereby bending the material instead of cutting it.
This is what left-handed children deal with when they’re learning to cut with right-handed scissors. So, yes, your child needs left-handed scissors if the left is their dominant hand. While these are all-purpose scissors, later on in life, they may need left-handed versions of other types of scissors too.
How to Choose Scissors for a Left Handed Child
Several considerations will help you choose the right pair of scissors for your left-handed child. You already know you need to look for scissors designed for left-handers. Here are some other features to consider.
Material
Look at what the scissors are made of. Scissors made of stainless steel will last the longest. Left-handed scissors for your child should probably be made of plastic or silicone handles with metal blades. Many companies make scissors that come in different colors and patterns on the handles.
Grip
Generally, scissors have two types of grips – straight or curved. Many people like curved grips because it’s easier to see what you’re cutting. Some children may prefer the straight grips, though. This is because it requires less effort to cut with them.
A soft grip made of silicone is also more comfortable for kids, especially if they’re going to use them for doing crafts for an extended period of time.
Age Range
Look for left-handed scissors meant for your child’s age. You ensure their safety when you choose the scissors based on age appropriateness. The blades should be sharp enough for cutting paper, but not so sharp you have to worry about them. Choose blunt-tipped scissors for toddlers and preschoolers because they can accidentally hurt themselves or another kid when brandishing a pair in between cutting jobs. Pointed tip scissors are fine once they’re in grade 1 and they need to develop precision cutting skills.
The scissors should be light to make them easy for a kid to work with them. And they’re usually smaller than full-sized scissors. Kids’ scissors usually range from 5 to 7 inches in total length.
Best Left Handed Children’s Scissors
Staedtler Noris Club Small Left Handed Scissors for Children
The Staedtler Noris Club Small Left Handed Scissors are made of soft plastic with a comfortable grip coating on the handles and stainless steel blades. They’re ideal for the small hands of children in elementary school. The blades don’t come with a protective case, but the ends are slightly rounded for better safety.
These scissors are easy to cut with and durable. The handles are comfortable for small hands and the ergonomic grip zones give the user good control. They’re some of the best left handed toddler scissors but at a value price.
Pros
The scissors are comfortable to hold.
They’re made of durable materials that will last.
They provide good control.
They make a clean cut.
Cons
The scissors are stiff and tough to open at first.
These are not safety scissors, so small children should be supervised.
Lefty’s Left Handed Child Size Blunt Tip Scissors
Lefty’s is one of the industry leaders when it comes to school scissors. The Lefty’s Left Handed Child Size Blunt Tip Scissors is a package of two in purple and pink scissors and two-toned blue. If your child’s school doesn’t provide left-handed scissors, then consider keeping one pair at home and sending your child to school with the other.
The blades are made of stainless steel and the handles are made of silicone that helps keep little hands comfortable. The blade tips are completely rounded at the end. These left handed blunt tip scissors are ideal for preschoolers and kindergarteners. They’re small (5.5″ total length and 2″ blade) with large handle holes for better control.
Lefty’s specializes in left-handed scissors, so you can feel assured children will be successful learning to cut with these. These rate high for sturdiness, durability, and are easy to hold.
Pros
They reduce frustration for small left-handed children.
These make easy, clean cuts.
No sharp edges for children to hurt themselves.
Cons
Scissors are tight at first.
The blades are sharper than needed.
Lefty’s Youth Sized True Left-Handed Scissors with Pointed Tips
The Lefty’s Youth Sized True Left-Handed Scissors with Pointed Tips is a version of the scissors mentioned above but meant for older children. They’re made of the same materials, soft silicone, and stainless steel.
The handles are two-tone green with a dedicated thumb handle and a curved finger handle. The ergonomically designed grips give you more control over the scissors. It’s easier to maneuver around corners and curves.
The blades are 3 inches long, making the length of the scissors 6 and 3/4 inches. The blades taper at the end but not to a sharp point. The tips are slightly rounded.
Pros
Comfortable grips make these easier on the fingers.
Long blades make for better maneuverability.
Lightweight scissors made for general use in the classroom.
Good transition scissors for upper elementary kids.
Cons
More expensive than some other brands.
Finger holes are too small for some older children.
Fiskars Back to School Supplies, Left Handed Student Kids Scissors, 7 Inch and 5 Inch
Fiskars Back to School Supplies offers two sizes of left-handed scissors for school-age kids. The Fiskar’s 7 inch left handed scissors are intended for use by children 8 and up. They’re built much like adult scissors but in a smaller size. The 5-inch pairs are made to fit the little hands of kids ages 4 and up.
Fiskars’ blades are made of stainless steel and the 5-inch scissors feature safety blades. This means that they’re set at a safety angle that makes them safer for small children to use.
Both sizes come in fun colors. They have soft, comfortable handles that allow kids to use them longer without aching hands. The scissors are easy to maneuver and highly recommended by teachers.
Pros
High-performing scissors that are comfortable to use.
The blades are sharp and designed for specific ages.
They come in different fun colors for kids.
The #1 recommended scissors by teachers.
Cons
The scissors feel a little gritty and tight.
Grips may be too large for smaller hands.
Maped Kids Sensoft Scissors with Flexible Handles, 6.33 Inch, Pointed Tip
Maped Kids Sensoft Scissors are made of stainless steel and rubber. They’re affordably priced, so you get a good value. The blades are built to stay sharp and continue to perform well for the life of the scissors.
These are easy to clean and you can stick them in the dishwasher because they’re rust-resistant. The finger holes are coated with soft rubber and are flexible to keep hands comfortable during projects.
These scissors are a slightly smaller version of adult scissors. You can find them in two sizes – a 6.33″ for tweens and a 5″ for preschoolers. The 6.33″ one has blades that are long and pointed, making it easier for left-handed students to cut what they need to smoothly. The 5″ one has blunt tips for safety.
Pros
Scissors made for ages 4+ and ages 12+.
Blades stay sharp for the life of the scissors.
The grips are coated in soft, flexible rubber.
Adult size is also available.
Cons
Scissors don’t cut all the way to the tip.
Westcott Left-Handed Scissors For Kids Blunt and Pointed Tip
The Westcott left-handed scissors for kids come in assorted colors. The blades are made of stainless steel for durability. The handles are designed to fit little hands to reduce finger fatigue and are coated with antimicrobial product protection plastic, which makes them really suited to a classroom environment where kids share school supplies.
The 5-inch scissors have blunt tips at the end of the short blades. These are safety blades that are suitable for kids in preschool and kindergarten. You can also order the Westcott scissors with pointed blades. This may be a better option for kids in 1st grade and above.
Pros
These are economically priced and good for buying in bulk.
Good to use with paper, string, and other classroom materials.
Safety blades make them ideal for young children.
Cons
When ordered, colors may be chosen for you.
Hard plastic handles aren’t comfortable for long projects.
Kinderific Left Handed Scissors for Kids and Schools, Soft Grip Pack of 6
The Kinderific Left Handed Scissors for Kids and Schools is a pack of 6 pairs of scissors for kids of kindergarten age and above. These 5.5″ scissors have 2-inch blades made of stainless steel and handles made of soft-grip material that is comfortable for little hands to hold. They’re designed specifically for left-handed kids. They allow children to see the lines they’re cutting, so they can cut smooth lines just as well as right-handers.
These scissors are value-priced, but durable enough for regular classroom use.
Pros
Highly affordable.
Good for on-hand stock of lefty scissors for classrooms.
Made of high-quality materials.
Cons
The blades are sharp.
The colors are a bit blah.
OneName 6 Pack 5 Inch Left hand Blunt Tip Scissors for School Students
Teachers or parents looking for an inexpensive pack of left-handed scissors to keep around will find the OneName 6 Pack 5 Inch Left hand Blunt Tip Scissors appealing. The pack of 6 has 3 colors of scissors – pink, green, and blue.
The handles are coated with soft grip material. The safety blades are made of stainless steel and are flat-ground, so they’re rust-resistant and easy to clean with water.
These 5 inch left handed scissors have blunt tips and are meant for kids ages 4 and up. They cut easily through classroom materials.
Pros
Low price.
Safety blades keep young kids safe.
Left-handers can see the lines to cut.
Come in cheerful colors.
Cons
Medium quality level.
Handles may be too small for some kids’ hands.
Mudder Loop Handle Self-Opening Scissors
The Mudder Loop Handle Self-Opening Scissors are unorthodox scissors that are ideal for use by children and adults with special needs. These come in a 3-pack. They’re 8 inches long and come in blue, yellow, and red.
The handles are connected by a loop and are covered in a comfortable material. The blades are made of stainless steel and are rounded on the end.
These scissors are easier for kids to master because they use a squeezing motion to cut and then automatically release. There’s no need to use fingers to pull the blades apart. They’re adaptable scissors that are safe for all ages.
Pros
Special design makes cutting easier.
Self-opening blades allow for squeeze motion only.
Can be used by left- or right-handed children.
Cons
May be too stiff for some kids to squeeze close.
Doesn’t teach kids how to use traditional scissors.
Help, I am trying to find left handed safety scissors before my child starts preschool.
Try the Fiskars Back to School 5 Inch Orange pair above. Those have blunt tips and safe angle blades. It’s what my kid used to use when she was in preschool 🙂