If you’ve ever taken a close look at your kitchen scissors, you might have noticed a small toothed section between the handles and wondered what it’s for. Unlike the sharp blades that slice through paper, fabric, or food, this jagged area serves a completely different purpose. It’s designed for crushing, gripping, and holding items securely while you work in the kitchen. While many people overlook it, this feature is a hidden multitool that can save time and effort during meal prep.

The toothed section is perfect for crushing garlic cloves quickly, without needing a separate garlic press. You can also use it to crack nuts or shellfish, hold chicken bones steady while deboning, or grip thick-skinned fruits and vegetables like citrus, squash, or pomegranates. Even herb stems can be stripped efficiently using this notch, turning a single pair of scissors into a versatile, multi-functional tool.

Unlike the blades, the blunt notch never fully closes, which is what allows it to crush or hold items without cutting through them. Its ergonomic placement between the handles makes it easy to apply pressure safely and comfortably, reducing strain on your hands while working with tough ingredients. Professional chefs and home cooks alike swear by it for the convenience it provides, allowing them to skip extra kitchen gadgets and complete tasks more efficiently.

Many people assume the toothed section is just decorative or unnecessary, but it’s actually one of the most practical parts of your kitchen scissors. Alongside their cutting capabilities, most kitchen scissors are dishwasher-safe and designed for repeated use, making them an essential tool for everyday cooking. From crushing garlic to cracking nuts or gripping slippery ingredients, this little-known feature makes meal preparation faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable. So next time you reach for your kitchen scissors, don’t ignore that small toothed section. It may look minor, but it’s one of the smartest, most underappreciated tools in your kitchen arsenal.