Mystery Solved: It’s Not Just for Decoration
If you’ve ever taken a close look at your kitchen scissors—especially the heavy-duty kind—you might have noticed a strange jagged, toothed section near the handles. It’s not quite part of the blades, and it doesn’t seem to cut anything. So… what’s the point?
You can easily snip herbs, trim chicken, or open packaging with the sharp blades, but that metal “jaw” near the base? It just sits there—looking important, but staying mysterious.
Well, good news: That odd little feature actually has a purpose, and it’s more useful than most people realize.
🔧 The Real Purpose of the Toothed Jaws
Contrary to popular belief, that notched section isn’t meant for cutting—it’s designed for crushing, gripping, and stabilizing ingredients while you work.
Think of it as a built-in multitool that acts like a mini clamp, nutcracker, or garlic press—all in one.
Here’s what it’s good for:
🧄 Crushing Garlic Cloves
Forget the flat side of a knife. Place a garlic clove under the toothed grip and press gently. It crushes just enough to loosen the skin and release flavor—without turning it into mush.
🥜 Cracking Nuts or Shells
From walnuts to lobster claws, the toothed area works like a small nutcracker or shell-cracker. No need for separate tools.
🍗 Gripping Chicken Bones
When deboning or trimming poultry, the jagged grip helps hold slippery bones steady, so you can snip cleanly and safely.
🍊 Holding Thick Skins or Slippery Items
Trying to peel citrus or slice into tough-skinned veggies like squash or beets? That notch gives you a firm grip, reducing slips and accidents.
✂️ Why It Doesn’t “Cut” Like the Blades
✂️ Why It Doesn’t “Cut” Like the Blades
That section isn’t sharp—and it’s not supposed to be. The toothed grip never fully closes, making it ideal for pressing or cracking rather than slicing.
It’s not a flaw—it’s a hidden feature that offers extra utility where standard blades fall short.
🧠 How to Use It Like a Pro
Here are a few pro tips to make the most of this underrated tool:
Garlic: Press gently to crack the skin and slightly crush the clove for easier peeling and faster cooking.
Nuts & Seeds: Crack pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds before roasting or adding to salads.
Bones: Hold small bones or rib tips steady while trimming meat with precision.
Citrus Prep: Grip limes or lemons securely while zesting or juicing.
Herb Stems: Pinch and pull to strip leaves from woody stems like rosemary or thyme.
🍽️ A Forgotten Tool in Modern Kitchens
Most people overlook this feature because they assume scissors are only for cutting. But many chefs, home cooks, and food bloggers swear by the versatility of that toothed section.
“I used to think it was broken,” joked one Reddit user.
“Turns out I just wasn’t using it right.”
Another home cook shared a video of cracking lobster claws using the grip—a trick passed down from her grandmother.
✨ Kitchen Scissors: More Than Meets the Eye
Kitchen scissors (also known as kitchen shears) are seriously underrated. Once you start using all their features—not just the blades—you’ll see them in a whole new light.
They’re typically:
Great for cutting through meat, herbs, fish, and packaging
Designed for easy cleaning and disassembly
Often dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant
Built with comfortable, ergonomic grips
And now, you know:
✅ That strange toothed part isn’t decorative—it’s functional.
❗ Don’t Toss Them Just Yet…
Next time you think you need a garlic press, nutcracker, or another kitchen tool, take a second look at your scissors. That weird little feature could save you time, effort, and drawer space.
Because once you know what it does…
You’ll never ignore it again.
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