If you take a close look at a typical pair of heavy-duty kitchen shears, you’ll probably notice a strange, jagged section where the handles meet. Most of us use scissors to cut plastic wrap or trim vegetables, but we often ignore that quirky little notch.
While it might seem like a decorative detail or leftover from manufacturing, it’s actually a highly practical feature. This serrated area is a “silent kitchen hero,” giving you extra grip and leverage for tasks that regular blades struggle with. Let’s dive into why it’s such a useful addition to your kitchen toolkit.
What Is This Toothy Notch?
This feature goes by several names: jar grip, nutcracker, or bone gripper. You’ll usually find it on multi-purpose utility shears or heavy-duty poultry scissors.
The design is simple yet effective. When you partially close the handles, the metal teeth move together, creating a high-traction, non-slip surface. Positioned near the pivot point, this notch lets you apply a lot of pressure with minimal effort, using leverage to make tough kitchen tasks easier.






