What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?
A Mystery Solved: It’s Not Just for Decoration
If you’ve ever looked closely at your pair of kitchen scissors (especially ones made for heavy-duty use), you might have noticed a strange toothy bit between the handles —a small, jagged section that doesn’t quite meet in the middle like the blades. And if you’ve tried to cut something with it, you know—it doesn’t really cut . So what’s the point?
You can snip herbs, trim chicken, or open food packaging with the sharp blades, but that weird metal jaw near the base? It looks like it should do something—but it just sits there, teasing you with its presence.
Well, we went digging into forums, YouTube videos, and culinary corners of the internet… and guess what?
That odd little feature has a purpose—and it’s more useful than you think.
The Real Purpose of the Toothed Jaws
Contrary to popular confusion, that notched, toothy section isn’t meant for cutting—it’s designed for crushing, gripping, and holding things in place while you work.
Here’s what it’s actually good for:
🔪 Crushing Garlic Cloves
Instead of using the flat side of a knife, simply place a garlic clove under the toothed area and press down gently. The teeth crush the garlic without turning it into mush—perfect for releasing flavor fast.
🦀 Cracking Nuts or Shells
Whether it’s pistachios, pecans, walnuts—or even lobster shells—the toothed part works as a mini clamp to help crack things open without needing extra tools.
🐓 Gripping Chicken Bones
When deboning or trimming poultry, the notches help grip and hold bones steady so you can make clean cuts around them.
🥒 Holding Thick Skins or Shells
It also helps secure thick-skinned foods like squash, beets, or citrus peels while you slice away.
Why It Doesn’t “Cut” Like Regular Blades
Unlike the sharp outer edges, this blunt-toothed section isn’t sharpened and never fully closes—so it’s not meant for slicing. Think of it like a built-in kitchen multitasker , giving you an extra hand when you’re working with tough or slippery ingredients.
It’s not a flaw—it’s a feature most people don’t realize they’re missing out on!
How to Use It Like a Pro
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