What is that strange toothed part on kitchen scissors for?

Here are the most common uses:

1. Cracking Nuts

One of the primary purposes is as a nutcracker.

• Place a nut (such as a walnut, pecan, or hazelnut) between the toothed jaws.
• Squeeze the handles firmly.
• The serrated teeth grip the shell and help crack it without the nut slipping away.

The curved shape helps distribute pressure evenly.

2. Opening Bottle Caps

Some kitchen scissors use the toothed section to grip:

• Twist-off bottle caps
• Plastic bottle lids
• Small jar lids

The teeth provide extra friction, making it easier to twist stubborn caps.

3. Gripping Slippery Foods

The serrated jaws can hold slippery foods securely, such as:

• Fish
• Chicken skin
• Meat
• Crab legs

This gives better control while cutting or handling food.

4. Cracking Shellfish

Many heavy-duty kitchen shears are designed for seafood.

You can use the toothed section to crack:

• Crab claws
• Lobster shells
• Shrimp shells

The strong grip prevents the shell from sliding.

5. Crushing Small Bones

Some poultry shears have especially strong toothed jaws that help grip and cut through:

• Chicken wing joints
• Small poultry bones

This feature is intended only for robust kitchen shears, not lightweight scissors.

6. Stripping Herbs or Stems (on Some Models)

Certain kitchen scissors use notches or toothed openings to strip leaves from herb stems.

Examples include:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano

Pull the stem through the opening, and the leaves are removed.

7. Holding Objects Securely

The teeth also work like small pliers.

They can grip:

• Hot corn cobs
• Bones
• Tough packaging
• Small kitchen items that are difficult to hold

Why Are the Teeth Serrated?

The serrations:

• Increase friction.
• Prevent round or smooth objects from slipping.
• Allow a stronger grip with less effort.
• Help concentrate force for cracking shells or gripping hard items.

Can You Cut with This Part?

No. The toothed section is not a cutting edge. It works as a gripping or crushing mechanism. The actual cutting is done by the scissor blades.

Is It Safe for All Foods?

It is generally safe for:

• Nuts
• Seafood
• Poultry (if the shears are designed for it)
• Vegetables and herbs

Avoid using it on very hard objects (such as large bones or frozen food) unless the manufacturer specifically states the scissors are designed for those tasks, as excessive force can damage the tool.

Summary of Common Functions

That toothed section essentially turns kitchen scissors into a small pair of gripping pliers, making them a versatile tool for many kitchen tasks beyond simply cutting.