“What is the purpose of the jagged/serrated part on kitchen scissors”

The Hidden Feature on Kitchen Shears You Probably Overlook

If you inspect a standard pair of heavy-duty kitchen shears, you might notice a jagged, toothed section near where the handles meet. Most of us use scissors for cutting vegetables or plastic wrap, but this little notch often goes unnoticed.

While it may seem like a decorative quirk or leftover from manufacturing, it’s actually a practical design feature—a “silent kitchen hero” that adds grip and leverage for tasks standard blades can’t handle. Let’s explore why it’s so handy.

What Is That Toothed Notch?

Also called a jar grip, nutcracker, or bone gripper, this feature appears on multi-purpose utility shears or heavy-duty poultry scissors.

The design is clever yet simple: when you partially close the handles, the metal teeth mesh together, creating a non-slip, high-traction surface. Positioned near the pivot, the notch lets you exert strong pressure with minimal effort, making difficult kitchen jobs easier.

5 Smart Uses for the Scissor Notch

1. Opening Stubborn Jars and Bottles

• How to use: Place the lid in the serrated notch.
• Benefit: Squeeze and twist—the teeth grip the cap, breaking the seal effortlessly. Ideal for tired hands or weak grips.

2. Cracking Nuts Without a Separate Tool

• How to use: Place a walnut or hazelnut in the grooves.
• Benefit: Apply pressure until the shell cracks, keeping the nut intact. No bulky nutcracker needed.

3. Breaking Poultry Bones

• How to use: Position small bones like wing tips in the notch.
• Benefit: The grip holds the bone steady, allowing a clean snap. Perfect for spatchcocking chicken safely and efficiently.

4. Prepping Seafood

• How to use: Hold crab legs or lobster claws in the notch while cutting or cracking.
• Benefit: Keeps hands safe and improves grip on slippery seafood.

5. Removing Stubborn Plastic Caps

• How to use: Grip tight plastic lids in the ridges and twist.
• Benefit: Saves your nails and gives a secure hold every time.

Safety and Care Tips

• Avoid Overloading: Don’t use it on very large bones or thick objects unless your shears are heavy-duty.
• Protect Fingers: Keep skin clear of the toothed area to avoid pinching.
• Clean Thoroughly: Grooves can trap food or bacteria. Wash carefully after each use.
• Use for Food Only: Avoid opening paint cans or other household items, which can damage the blades.

Do All Scissors Have This Notch?

Not every pair of scissors includes this feature. It’s mostly found on:

• Poultry shears (often spring-loaded)
• Heavy-duty kitchen shears from brands like KitchenAid or OXO
• Multi-purpose utility scissors

Smooth-handled scissors that close flat usually lack this notch. If your shears have interlocking ridges, you’ve discovered a powerful hidden tool.

Final Thoughts

Good design solves problems without extra clutter. This small notch can replace a jar opener or nutcracker, simplifying your kitchen tasks. Next time you cook, remember—your scissors can do more than snip. Give that hidden gripper a try; it may become your favorite feature.