Found these strange scissors in the cutlery drawer. They have a circular opening with teeth instead of blades. Does not cut paper.

The circular, toothed opening of an egg topper works through a simple yet clever mechanism. When placed over the top of an egg, the user gently squeezes the handles together, causing the serrated teeth to press against the eggshell.

This action creates a uniform crack around the circumference of the egg. The teeth are designed not to penetrate deeply but to apply enough pressure to break the shell neatly. The key is the even distribution of pressure, which prevents the shell from shattering or splintering, thus reducing the risk of shell fragments falling into the egg's contents.

Using an egg topper is straightforward once you understand the process. Begin by placing the egg in an egg cup, ensuring it is stable. Position the circular opening of the egg topper over the top of the egg.

Gently squeeze the handles together to apply even pressure around the egg's top. You may hear a slight crack as the teeth create a uniform break. Once the crack is formed, release the handles and lift the topper away. Carefully remove the top portion of the shell with your fingers or a small knife. This leaves a clean opening, allowing you to enjoy the egg without fuss.

The egg topper is particularly effective with soft-boiled eggs due to their delicate consistency and the need for a clean opening for consumption. Soft-boiled eggs have a softer shell and a runny interior, which makes them ideal candidates for this tool.

In contrast, hard-boiled eggs, with their firm whites and yolks, do not require an opening for dipping or spooning. The shell of a hard-boiled egg is more likely to be peeled away entirely, making the egg topper less necessary. However, some people may still use an egg topper for hard-boiled eggs if they prefer to serve them in a more presentable manner.