What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?

**What Is That Weird Toothed Part on Kitchen Scissors For?**

You know the one. You’re rifling through your kitchen drawer, hunting for scissors to snip some herbs or open an infuriatingly stubborn package, and there it is: that strange, toothed, metal notch between the handles. It looks vaguely industrial, slightly medieval, and completely out of place on something meant for cutting paper or parsley.

Most people either ignore it or assume it’s decorative. Some try to cut things with it once, fail spectacularly, and then never touch it again.

But that weird toothed part on kitchen scissors is not a design accident. It’s actually one of the most useful, underappreciated tools in your kitchen.

Let’s unpack what it’s for, why it exists, and how to use it without feeling like you’re about to break your scissors—or your fingers.

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## First: What Is That Part Called?

That toothed section is usually referred to as:

* A **serrated grip**
* A **cracking notch**
* A **nutcracker** (sometimes)
* Or part of a **multi-purpose kitchen shear**

It’s typically located where the two blades meet near the pivot, often with ridges or teeth that interlock when the scissors are closed.

And no, it’s not meant for cutting paper. Or fabric. Or pizza (please don’t).
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