What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

1 minute read

✂️ The Secret Notch on Your Kitchen Scissors

Ever noticed that little jagged groove near the base of your kitchen scissors? It’s easy to assume it’s a manufacturing quirk—but in reality, it’s a clever design feature with more uses than you might expect.

🔧 Built-In Nutcracker & Bottle Opener

That serrated notch—often called a nutcracker or bottle grip—is engineered to:

Crack hard shells: Walnuts, hazelnuts, even crab legs
Pop bottle caps: Hook the cap into the notch and lever upward
Grip tough packaging: Perfect for clamshells or vacuum-sealed bags

How to use it: Place the nut or cap in the notch, squeeze the handles, and let the concentrated pressure do the work.

🦀 Bonus Tricks Chefs Swear By

Deveining shrimp: Slide the tip under the vein for a clean lift
Snipping herb stems: The textured grip keeps slippery stems steady
Cutting twine or zip ties: Serration prevents slipping for a quick cut

💡 Why It’s Near the Pivot

The closer to the pivot, the stronger the leverage. That placement means maximum force with minimal effort—smart engineering for everyday tasks.

❤️ The Bottom Line

That “weird toothed part” isn’t weird at all—it’s thoughtful design. It transforms your scissors into a multi-tool, saving you from rummaging for a nutcracker or bottle opener.

Next time you grab your scissors, remember: they’re more than herb snippers or pizza cutters—they’re a quiet hero of kitchen efficiency.