What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

 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.Best restaurants near me

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

Garlic: Place a clove under the notch and press gently until the skin pops off and the garlic is lightly crushed.

Nuts & Seeds: Use the teeth to crack pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds before sprinkling on salads or baked goods.

Bone Gripping: Hold chicken bones or rib tips in place while you snip around them cleanly.

Citrus Zesting: Grip citrus firmly while zesting or juicing by placing it in the notch.

Herb Stems: Grab stems like rosemary or thyme to strip leaves quickly and easily.

A Forgotten Tool in Modern Kitchens

Most people assume scissors are only for cutting—so they overlook the clever design of that toothy part entirely. But chefs, food bloggers, and old-school cooks swear by it.

“I USED TO THINK IT WAS BROKEN,” ONE REDDIT USER JOKED.

“TURNS OUT I WAS JUST NOT USING IT RIGHT.”

Another forum member posted a video showing how she uses it to crack lobster claws while prepping dinner—a trick she learned from her grandmother who swore by it.

Kitchen Scissors: More Than Meets the Eye

Kitchen scissors (or kitchen shears ) are often underestimated. But once you learn to use all their features—not just the blades—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them.

They’re:

Great for cutting through meat, herbs, and fish

Designed for easy cleaning and disassembly

Often dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant

Built with ergonomic grips for comfort

And now you know that toothy part isn’t decorative —it’s functional!

Don’t Throw Them Away Yet

Next time you’re reaching for a knife or nutcracker—give your kitchen shears another look. That weird toothed part may just save you time, effort, and counter space.

Because once you know what it does… you’ll never see it the same way again.