A store that got it right

Scissors can be the most frustrating thing to handle. Amanda Khouri has struggled with this seemingly innocuous problem all her life.

Fellow left-handers would have similar stories to relate.

Today is International Left-Handers Day and offers an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of "southpaws".

Left-Handers Day was first observed on August 13, 1976 by the organisation Lefthanders International.

"For as long as I can remember, my mother bought all my stationery, cutlery, and other products from London. Products for left-handed people could not be found in the UAE," Amanda said.

Cost-effective answer

Three years ago, Amanda, 27, along with her two sisters and mother decided to open a store in Dubai for left-handed people. "It was a place where people could pick up items of everyday use that took into account their left-handedness," she said.

The Four Leaf Clover store became so popular that they decided to expand - the internet presented the most cost-effective and far-reaching answer. The Urban Steel online store idea was born and is expected to be operational by the end of this month.

All the products that were available at The Four Leaf Clover, which has been shut down, can now be purchased from the online store once it opens.

The online outlet is apparently the only one of its kind in the UAE that caters to left-handed people.

"We are bringing products that left-handed people need but are not found in the UAE," says Amanda in her capacity as general manager of the company.

The range of items Urban Steel will provide includes everything from left-handed guitars and measuring tapes to DVDs and books that teach you how to use products properly with your left hand.

One of the weirdest products available is the "backwards clock" - a clock that runs, well, anti-clockwise. "This is a product that is popular with both right-handed and left-handed people. Right-handed people may find it hard to tell the time with this product but the aberration goes unnoticed by most left-handed people," she says.

When Amanda was first gifted the clock, she didn't notice why she was given it for her birthday, as it looked normal - that was till she took a closer look.

She recalls how teachers would come to the store enquiring about products for their left-handed students. Pens designed for left-handed people are among the most-sought-after items, she says.

Pens that don't smudge

The pens are shaped such that they complement the left hand. "All our pens also come with ink that dries quickly. Because the English language is written from left to right, the way left-handed people write will smudge the ink as they move their hand," Amanda says.

Another common problem that left-handed children have to contend with is the shape of school desks. They are designed in a way that the right hand can rest on a surface when writing, while the left side is empty.

The online store will also offer products for toddlers. "Babies who are starting to use things with their hands would not know if they are left- or right-handed, so we have cutlery that is neutral to both the left and right hand." Amanda said.

The strangest item Amanda recalls having sourced for her clients were surgical knives. She has had a number of doctors requesting surgical tools.

Amanda said: "Although many doctors are ambidextrous, some prefer tools that are specially made for the left hand."

Amanda is very proud of her soon-to-be-opened online outlet. Her family hopes to keep it fully stocked and to introduce new products.

She said: "I am very passionate about this because I don't want people to feel helpless like I did in the past."

Are you left handed? What product do you have the most difficulty using? Do you think more products should be designed keeping in mind the needs of left handed people? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

I am happy and welcoming this new online store designed for left handed people in the UAE. Particularly, I and my wife are both left handed. We find it hard to find a scissor and some other tools like paper cutter, which are designed for left handed people. May I suggest to include left handed golf clubs in this shop also. Please give us the website where we can purchase these items.
William
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 11:26

Well I am also left but there are a lot of things I can do with my right hand except writing and bowling.
J.Naiyyer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 10:30

The online store site address is not mentioned in the article.My daughter is left-handed and she has just started school. It would be nice to have a look at the website and material available there.All the best for The Four Leaf Clover.
Anis
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 10:11

Congrats Amna.I think its a great idea. I myself is left handed and find it very difficult specially with scissors. I hope this will solve a lot of problems for fellow left handers.
Gopal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 09:43

It's a nice idea, I will be the first one visiting such store, I've a curiosity to know the offered items over there..
Munadil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 09:23

It is a nice idea, I will be the first one visiting such store, I have a curiosity to know the offered items over there.
Munadil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 09:23

This is a gr8 idea. Pls open the online store ASAP. If any one know where can we get the left-handers things in UAE, Pls advice.
Salil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 08:56

Yes, I am a lefty. And since I was born this has been my gift and my curse. Looking for left handed products is really difficult. Even just a simple knife, it's a challenge. But at least, some people and manufacturer also explore and create products for lefty. When I was studying, it's difficult to write because the desks are made for right handed students, but it is easier for me to cheat since I can face anywhere. Go lefty! It's our day today!
Jerry
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 08:24

I hope they sell left-handed guitars, they are not easy to find in the UAE.
Zaid
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 08:22

I was born left-handed and had to face these problems throughout - but I guess I got used to it. Having a store like Urban Steel open up here in UAE is a boost of confidence for all the 'lefties' - Keep it Up!
Adeel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 08:19

Keyboards are sometimes difficult because the number pad is on the right side. There are some movable number pads, but they are generally meant for laptops. It would be great to see if she has a one-piece keyboard with the number pad on the left with the numbers "mirrored" as well.I hope you publish her website address when she opens.
Bruce
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 08:16

Being left handed I have just had to become more ambidextrous, which is an advantage. I injured my left hand and found it fairly easy to write with my right and since my hand-writing is awful anyway most people could not tell the difference. Left hander?s have always had to be inventive which I think is an advantage; specifically designed products are great, my favorite the left handed cheque book
Sara
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 08:12

Excellent initiative wishing you the best of luck
Ghalib
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 06:12

What is the website address? I'm sure the woman spoke to you on condition that you publish the website address.
Aadil
Johannesburg,South Africa
Posted: August 13, 2008, 04:57

I am excited to check out the products that Urban Steel has to offer. Since I am a southpaw, it is really difficult for me to use normal kitchen wares, which are usually produced for right-handed people. I look forward to making my first order online!
Therese
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 02:43