Hello, it's Aya from HIDARI. If you're left-handed, chances are you've struggled with scissors at least once.
Some of you might have reluctantly resorted to using scissors with your non-dominant right hand, while others have adapted to using standard right-handed scissors with your left hand.
A common frustration I hear is that even when finally switching to left-handed scissors, they don't seem to work well, leading to giving up. This often happens because using right-handed scissors with the left hand for a long time encourages a unique way of applying force and angle, different from how they're meant to be used.
For those struggling, here are some tips on using left-handed scissors. It might feel odd at first, but with practice, it becomes a breeze!
1: View from the Inside of the Blades
Left-handed scissors have the blade alignment opposite to that of right-handed ones. While using right-handed scissors, you might be used to peeking over the outer side of the blades to see where you're cutting. For left-handed scissors, your view should come from the inside, making it easier to follow your cutting line without drifting off.
2: Keep the Scissors Perpendicular to the Paper
With right-handed scissors, there's a tendency to tilt them unconsciously to see the cutting line or to find a better cutting angle. This tilting can make cutting harder with left-handed scissors. Try to keep them perpendicular to the paper for smoother cuts.
3: Don't Apply Too Much Force
Using right-handed scissors in the left hand often requires extra force due to poorer cutting, leading to some people cutting too vigorously and risking injury. Be mindful not to overexert.
4: A Natural Up-and-Down Motion Is All You Need
With right-handed scissors, you might have been consciously forcing the blades together. This isn't necessary with left-handed scissors. A simple up-and-down motion should do the trick for a smooth cut.
5: Adjusting Your Grip Can Make a Difference
Some have found that extending the index finger along the outside of the handle makes cutting more challenging. If this is the case for you, try tucking your index finger inside the handle. Additionally, a firmer grip using multiple fingers can provide more stability, so opting for scissors with larger handles might help.
Turning a neglected left-handed scissor into your reliable tool would be delightful! Give these tips a try. Until we meet again, happy cutting!
