• How to use: Place the ridged edge over the lid of a stuck jar
  • Squeeze the handles — the grip helps break the seal
  • Works on pickle jars, jam, sauces, and spice bottles

✅ Especially helpful for people with weak grip or arthritis.

2. Nut Cracker (For Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans)

  • How to use: Place a nut in the groove and gently squeeze
  • Cracks shells without crushing the inside
  • Perfect for quick prep when you don’t want to find the nutcracker

🥜 Try it with walnuts for baking or snacking.

3. Bottle Opener (For Metal Lids)

  • Some scissors have a notch on one side of the teeth
  • Slide it under the edge of a bottle cap (like beer or soda)
  • Lift up to pop the cap off

✅ A party trick that actually works.

4. Grip Enhancer (For Slippery Tasks)

  • Use the toothed section to hold down slippery items while cutting
  • Great for securing plastic packaging, foil, or stubborn herb stems
  • The ridges act like mini non-slip pads

✂️ Keeps your fingers safe and your food steady.

✅ Why This Design Is Genius

Kitchen scissors with this feature are often labeled as “kitchen multitaskers” — and for good reason.

Saves counter space
No need for separate nutcracker or jar opener
Always within reach
Already in your hand when prepping food
Durable and built-in
Won’t get lost like small tools
Ergonomic
Leverages the strength of your hand squeeze

🛠️ It’s smart engineering disguised as a simple ridge.

🧼 How to Keep It Clean

Because this part traps food and moisture:

  • Rinse immediately after use
  • Use a small brush (like a toothbrush) to clean between the ridges
  • Dry thoroughly — especially if your scissors aren’t dishwasher-safe

❗ Never soak wooden-handled scissors — can cause warping.

🛒 How to Choose Scissors With This Feature

Not all kitchen shears have the toothed grip — so look for:

  • “Multi-purpose” or “kitchen multitasker” labeling
  • Stainless steel construction — more durable for heavy tasks
  • Ergonomic handles — comfortable for squeezing
  • Dishwasher-safe — makes cleanup easier

✅ Brands like OXO, KitchenAid, and Wüsthof often include this feature.

Final Thoughts

That weird toothed part on your kitchen scissors isn’t just for show.

It’s a quiet hero — a tiny, rugged tool that helps you:

  • Open stubborn jars
  • Crack nuts in seconds
  • Pop a bottle cap
  • Grip slippery packaging

And the best part?
It’s always right where you need it — no drawer rummaging required.

So next time you reach for your kitchen shears…
take a second to appreciate that little ridge.

Because sometimes, the smartest tools aren’t the biggest —
they’re the ones hiding in plain sight.