What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

If you’ve ever run your finger along the inner edge of a pair of kitchen scissors and felt a small, jagged notch or serrated section near the base of the blades—you’re not alone in wondering what it’s for. That “weird toothed part” isn’t a flaw or leftover manufacturing detail—it’s a deliberate, clever feature with a very practical purpose.

🔧 It’s a Nutcracker (and Bottle Opener!)
That serrated notch—often called the “nutcracker” or “bottle grip”—is designed to:

Crack hard shells: Like walnuts, hazelnuts, or crab legs
Open bottle caps: Twist the neck of a glass bottle into the notch and gently lever upward
Cut through tough packaging: Some people use it to grip and slice through thick plastic clamshells or vacuum-sealed bags
✂️ How to use it: Place the nut or bottle cap into the notch, then squeeze the handles firmly. The opposing blade acts as an anvil, creating concentrated pressure to crack or pop.

🦀 Bonus Uses Chefs LoveDeveining shrimp: Slide the tip into the back of a shrimp to lift out the vein
Snipping herb stems: The textured grip holds slippery stems steady
Cutting twine or zip ties: The serration prevents slipping
💡 Why It’s Placed Near the Pivot
The base of the blades is where leverage is strongest—so applying force here gives you maximum power with minimal effort. It’s engineering meets everyday practicality.

 

Continued on next page

 

For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don't forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.