February 1, 2026

What’s the Purpose of the Serrated Part on Kitchen Scissors?

✂️ The Hidden Power of Your Kitchen Scissors

Ever noticed that little jagged groove near the base of your kitchen scissors? It might look like a random design quirk—but it’s actually a clever feature with more uses than you’d expect.


🔧 Built-In Nutcracker & Bottle Opener

That serrated notch—sometimes called a nutcracker or bottle grip—is designed to:

  • Crack hard shells: Walnuts, hazelnuts, even crab legs
  • Pop bottle caps: Hook the cap in the notch and lift
  • Grip tough packaging: Ideal for clamshells or vacuum-sealed bags

How to use it: Place the nut or cap in the notch, squeeze the handles, and let the focused pressure do the work.


🦀 Bonus Tricks Chefs Love

  • Deveining shrimp: Slide the tip under the vein for a clean lift
  • Snipping herb stems: The textured grip keeps slippery stems steady
  • Cutting twine or zip ties: Serration prevents slipping for a fast, safe cut

💡 Why It’s Near the Pivot

Being close to the pivot gives maximum leverage. That placement lets you apply more force with less effort—a small detail that makes your scissors a versatile kitchen tool.


❤️ The Bottom Line

That “weird toothed part” isn’t weird at all—it’s smart design. It turns your scissors into a multi-tool, saving you trips to the drawer for a nutcracker or bottle opener.

Next time you grab your kitchen scissors, remember: they’re more than herb snippers or pizza cutters—they’re a quiet hero of kitchen efficiency.

“Great tools don’t shout—they solve problems you didn’t know you had.” ✨