What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

If you’ve ever run your finger along the inner edge of a pair of kitchen scissors and felt a small, jagged notch or serrated section near the base of the blades—you’re not alone in wondering what it’s for. That “weird toothed part” isn’t a flaw or leftover manufacturing detail—it’s a deliberate, clever feature with a very practical purpose.

It’s a Nutcracker (and Bottle Opener!)

That serrated notch—often called the “nutcracker” or “bottle grip”—is designed to:

Crack hard shells: Like walnuts, hazelnuts, or crab legs

Open bottle caps: Twist the neck of a glass bottle into the notch and gently lever upward

Cut through tough packaging: Some people use it to grip and slice through thick plastic clamshells or vacuum-sealed bags

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