For people who have limited hand strength, this small feature can be surprisingly helpful.
It Can Crack Nuts
Another common use for the toothed part is cracking nuts.
No nutcracker nearby? Your kitchen scissors may be able to help. Place a walnut, pecan, or hazelnut between the ridges and squeeze the handles gently until the shell cracks.
The key is to use steady pressure, not brute force. You only want to crack the shell, not crush the nut inside into crumbs. Rotate the nut and repeat until the shell loosens enough to remove.
It may not replace a proper nutcracker, but it works well when you need a quick solution.
It Can Grip Small Poultry Bones
On heavy-duty kitchen shears, the ridged section can also help grip small bones, especially when preparing poultry.
For example, it can be useful when working with chicken wings, thighs, or drumsticks. The teeth hold the bone steady so it does not slip while you apply pressure.
