Can you tell by looking?
Have you ever wondered what the difference between left and right handed scissors is? I know that you know that left handed children should have specific scissors. You probably rely on the colour of the handles. Green often indicates left handed, and blue is typically for right. However, if the scissor's handles were the same colour could you tell the difference between a right or left handed pair? By the end of this post my, aim is that your answer to that question will be yes!
Key takeaways: left handed scissors
1. The key difference between left and right hand scissors lies in the blades, not the handle colour. Left handed scissors have the left blade positioned on top when opened, allowing left handed users to clearly see the cutting line. In contrast, right handed scissors obscure the line for left handers, often leading to awkward hand positions.
2. Handle shape and colour are not reliable indicators. Green or contoured handles might suggest left handed use, but the true distinction is blade orientation. Scissors labelled "suitable for both hands" are misleading, as blade alignment always favours one hand. (Kim explains this in the video below).
3. Using the correct scissors improves accuracy and reduces frustration. Left handed children should be given proper left handed scissors to support their development, accuracy, and comfort when cutting. It's a simple yet essential adjustment teachers can make in the classroom. If you need more tips to support students with their fine motor skills, you should consider joining the GriffinOT membership.
Can you tell by looking?
Have you ever wondered what the difference between left and right handed scissors is? I know that you know that left handed children should have specific scissors. You probably rely on the colour of the handles. Green often indicates left handed, and blue is typically for right. However, if the scissor's handles were the same colour could you tell the difference between a right or left handed pair? By the end of this post my, aim is that your answer to that question will be yes!
It's much more than the handle colour
In this post I want to inform you that the difference between left and right handed scissors has nothing to do with the colour of the handles. Gasp! It also has nothing to do with the shape of the handles. Special contours on the scissor's handles make no difference. It is also impossible for a pair of scissors to be 'suitable for both left and right hands.' This is a lie created by marketers that don't understand the real challenge faced by a left hander when they try to use a pair of right handed scissors.
Left handed scissors – what's the real difference?
The primary difference between left and right handed scissors is the way the blades are connected. With a right handed pair of scissors when you open them, the blade on the right side goes up and the blade on the left side goes down. It doesn't matter if you turn the scissors over, when you open them the blade on the right will still be the one on the top. It doesn't matter if you change the contour or shape of the handles; the blade position remains the same. If you don't believe me go and get a pair of scissors and try it.
The special thing about scissors for left hands is that when you open them, the blade on the left hand side goes to the top. This means the blade on the right sits on the bottom. I know this is quite tricky to describe in words, this is why I made a video. In this video I show you the real difference between left and right handed scissors.
Video – Left and Right Handed Scissors – The Difference Explained
Left or right handed scissors – does it really matter?
Yes, yes and yes!!
If you are right handed, I challenge you to use a pair of left handed scissors to cut out a circle and a star. If you are left handed, you have probably already tried to cut out many things using right handed scissors so you can skip this experiment. What happens with the wrong handed scissors is that when the blades open they cover up or block the line you are trying to cut. This means you can't easily see it.
So, if you have a pair of right handed scissors in your left hand, the blade on top will be the right blade. When you're trying to cut on a line, you can't quite see that line because the blade obscures what you're looking at. This helps to explain why left handed children using standard scissors often hold their scissors and paper at odd angles. Typically, it is because they are trying to see around the scissor blade.
The good news for left handed scissor users
The good news these days is that it is really easy to purchase left handed scissors. They also don't just come in children's sizes, you can purchase adult sizes as well. It is highly recommended that a child who is left handed is provided with and encouraged to use left handed scissors. The design will help to reduce frustration with cutting. In addition it helps left handed users to be more accurate with their cutting.
The good news for you, the reader
There is good news for you the reader. After reading this post and watching our video you now know the difference between left and right handed scissors. You will now be able to tell left scissors from right handed ones regardless of the handle colour. The minute you open them up, you will immediately be able to tell by the blade position. If the blade on the top is on the right hand side, you're holding right handed scissors. If the blade on the top is on the left hand side then they are left.
Please spread the word. I know that the real difference between the two is not common knowledge, yet is it extremely useful knowledge for all teachers and parents. If you are left handed and reading this, hopefully we have explained why you find using standard scissors more difficult than your right handed friends.
If you need more fine motor activity ideas, including specific worksheets to improve children's cutting skills – check out GriffinOT's fine motor skill programme. Kim has carefully curated 160 activities to help children develop functional fine motor skills. There's also training and video examples to support your own understand too. Join the free trial today.
Date last updated by Kim: 27th July 2025
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