Ease of Use: DuoGlide Sweep Chefs Knife

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   The ArthritisFoundation’s Ease-of-Use Commendation recognizes products proven to make lifeeasier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. Theseproducts are independently tested by experts and evaluated by people witharthritis. I have been asked to review a number of Ease-of-Use products duringMay, Arthritis Awareness Month in the US. My mother, who has osteoarthritis in herhands, is helping by testing some of these products, as well. 
When I first saw the DuoGlide Chef’s Knife, I was remindedof 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 haveattendants who take care of the cutting and chopping for me. Since my mothercooks, she was the natural candidate to test the knife.

The product description tells us that this knife has aunique design for more control and minimized effort. The handle is soft andtextured, giving an easy, secure grip. The blade itself is "corrosionresistant, high carbon stainless steel," ground, honed, polished, etc.It's supposed to offer "precise control and reduce wrist, arm or handdiscomfort." It also comes in paring knife, utility knife and breadslicer.
As a knife, it's excellent. My mother said it cutsexceptionally well and she will definitely continue to use it after the reviewperiod is over. The handle was very comfortable to grip and as you can see inthis picture

it allows you to cut without bending your wrist, somethingthat can be very difficult for people who have arthritis in their hands.Previously, I have had this problem solved for me by getting specially madeknives 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 iteasier for people with arthritis to use.
Judging this knife on the basis of someone like me who has significantdamage, deformity and strength/dexterity issues is not fair. I did try it andcouldn't use it. I don't know if there was a strength or position issue orboth. It definitely cuts better when you're standing up and can put some weightbehind the downward cut. However, people who are as disabled as I am byarthritis 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 highlyrecommended by my mother and that's as good as it gets.

Other bloggersinvolved in reviewing Ease-of-Use products are Felicia Fibro, Peachy Pains and Dog in the Dorm: Life withHolden.