Monday, February 2, 2026

What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

You’ve probably used kitchen scissors hundreds of times.

To snip herbs.
To cut open food packaging.
To trim parchment paper or twine.

But at some point, you’ve likely noticed it—the strange, toothed, almost jaw-like section near the handles. It doesn’t look like a blade. It doesn’t cut like scissors. And most people either ignore it completely or assume it’s decorative.

It’s not.

That weird toothed part on kitchen scissors has a purpose. In fact, it has several purposes—and once you know what they are, you’ll never look at your kitchen scissors the same way again.

Most people have been doing it wrong for years.

Let’s fix that.

A Kitchen Mystery Hiding in Plain Sight

Kitchen tools are full of quiet design features we rarely question. If something works “well enough,” we don’t stop to ask why it was made that way.

The toothed section on kitchen scissors is one of those features.

It looks:

Too blunt to cut
Too rough to be comfortable
Too specific to be accidental

And yet, many people have no idea what it’s for.

Some think it’s:

A grip for your fingers
A design flourish
A cheap manufacturing leftover

None of those are true.

That toothed section is actually one of the most versatile parts of kitchen scissors.

The Official Name: A Built-In Kitchen Tool

That toothed part is commonly referred to as a gripping jaw or serrated notch.

Unlike the blades, it’s not designed to slice—it’s designed to grip, crack, twist, and hold.

Think of it as a mini tool hidden inside another tool.

Kitchen scissors are not just scissors. They’re a multi-purpose kitchen gadget, and that toothed section is key to that versatility.

Primary Use #1: Cracking Nuts and Shells

One of the most common uses—especially in Asian and European kitchens—is cracking:

Nuts
Crab legs
Lobster shells
Shellfish

The serrated teeth provide grip and pressure without slipping, allowing you to crack hard shells safely.

Instead of:

Hammering shells on the counter
Using bulky nutcrackers
Risking slipping and injury

You can simply place the shell in the toothed section, squeeze gently, and crack it open with control.

This is one of the original reasons that feature was added.

Primary Use #2: Opening Stubborn Jars and Lids

Ever struggled with a tight jar lid?

The toothed section works as a grip enhancer.

Here’s how:

Place the lid between the toothed jaws
Apply gentle pressure
Twist the scissors slightly

The serrations create friction, giving you extra leverage without hurting your hands.

This is especially helpful for:

Small jars
Slippery metal lids
Weak grip strength

It’s not meant for large jars—but for stubborn small ones, it can be a lifesaver.

Primary Use #3: Gripping and Holding Hot or Slippery Foods

The toothed part is excellent for gripping items you don’t want to touch directly, such as:

Hot corn on the cob
Roasted peppers
Slippery sausages
Boiled eggs (to crack shells)

The serrations prevent slipping, while the handle keeps your hand safely away from heat.

Many chefs use this feature instinctively without even thinking about it.

Primary Use #4: Cracking Bones and Cartilage

When preparing meat or poultry, that toothed section is especially useful.

It helps with:

Cracking chicken bones
Cutting through cartilage
Breaking joints before slicing

Instead of forcing the blade through tough material (which dulls it), you can use the toothed grip to apply pressure exactly where you need it.

This protects the blades and makes prep easier.

Primary Use #5: Opening Tough Packaging

Modern food packaging can be ridiculously stubborn.

Plastic seals.
Thick vacuum packs.
Hard blister packs.

The toothed section gives you:

Extra grip
Controlled pressure
Less slipping

You can grip the packaging firmly and then use the blade more effectively—without wrestling with it.

Why Regular Scissors Don’t Have This Feature

Office scissors are designed for:

Paper
Thin materials
Precision cuts

Kitchen scissors are designed for:

Force
Moisture
Grease
Heat
Irregular textures

That’s why kitchen scissors are:

Thicker
Heavier
Often detachable
More rugged

The toothed section reflects that difference. It’s a functional upgrade, not a decorative choice.

Why Most People Never Use It

There are a few reasons this feature goes unused:

1. No Instructions

Kitchen scissors rarely come with explanations.

2. It Looks Intimidating

People are unsure how much pressure to use.

3. Habits Are Hard to Break

We’re used to single-purpose tools.

4. It’s Poorly Advertised

Manufacturers assume people already know.

As a result, one of the most useful kitchen features gets ignored.

Why It’s Placed Near the Handle

The location of the toothed section is not random.

It’s near the handle because:

That’s where leverage is strongest
You can apply more pressure safely
It reduces strain on your wrist
It gives better control

Trying to crack something near the blade would be inefficient and dangerous.

Is It Safe to Use?

Yes—when used correctly.

Safety tips:

Use gentle, controlled pressure
Keep fingers away from the teeth
Avoid excessive force
Don’t use on glass or fragile items

Kitchen scissors are designed to handle pressure—but they’re not crowbars.

Why Chefs Love Multi-Function Tools

Professional kitchens value:

Efficiency
Speed
Fewer tools cluttering space

A tool that can cut, grip, crack, and hold saves time and effort.

That’s why many chefs prefer high-quality kitchen scissors with a well-designed serrated section.

Detachable Kitchen Scissors: A Hidden Bonus

Some kitchen scissors separate into two pieces.

When they do, the toothed section often becomes:

A nutcracker
A bottle opener
A gripper

This modular design makes cleaning easier and increases versatility.

If your scissors come apart, check the instructions—you may be missing extra functions.

Cleaning the Toothed Section Properly

Because it has grooves, this part can trap food.

To clean it:

Rinse immediately after use
Use a small brush or toothbrush
Dry thoroughly to prevent rust

Proper care keeps it hygienic and effective.

Why This Design Has Stuck Around for Decades

Kitchen trends come and go—but this feature remains.

Why?
Because it works.

It’s simple.
It’s mechanical.
It doesn’t rely on technology.

And once people learn how to use it, they rarely want scissors without it.

Common Myths About the Toothed Section

Myth 1: It’s Just Decorative

False. It’s entirely functional.

Myth 2: It’s Only for Nuts

It’s for gripping, cracking, and holding many things.

Myth 3: It Weakens the Scissors

It actually protects the blades by redirecting force.

Myth 4: It’s Unsafe

When used correctly, it’s very safe.

How to Start Using It Today

Next time you’re in the kitchen:

Grab your scissors
Look at the toothed section
Try it on a nut, shell, or lid

Once you use it intentionally, it becomes second nature.

A Small Feature With Big Impact

This tiny design detail turns kitchen scissors from a cutting tool into a multi-tasking kitchen companion.

It:

Reduces the need for extra tools
Saves time
Improves safety
Makes prep easier

And it’s been there all along—waiting to be noticed.

Why These Little Discoveries Feel So Satisfying

There’s something oddly joyful about learning that an everyday object can do more than you thought.

It makes the kitchen feel smarter.
More efficient.
More intentional.

And it reminds us that good design often hides in plain sight.

Final Thoughts

That weird toothed part on kitchen scissors isn’t weird at all.

It’s a carefully designed, practical feature meant to:

Grip
Crack
Hold
Help

Once you start using it properly, you’ll wonder how you ever ignored it.

Sometimes the most useful kitchen hacks aren’t new—they’ve been right in your hand the whole time.

Yummy Meals