Weird BOKER 7" diagonal cutters/pliers

[cag]

Hi fellas,

I've never seen a pair of these and I'm just wondering whether anybody knows the concept behind the cutter design on this pair of Bokers? What's their function?

Thanks guys!

 

[Provincial]

I have a pair with the same feature. Research showed that the grooves were to retain a plastic feature that covered the jaws except for the cutting edge. I believe that this was an attempt to make a completely insulated cutter, since the handles were also insulated with plastic.

 

[rlitman]

I have a pair with the same feature. Research showed that the grooves were to retain a plastic feature that covered the jaws except for the cutting edge. I believe that this was an attempt to make a completely insulated cutter, since the handles were also insulated with plastic.

After seeing the picture and then your confirmation of the plastic insert, I'm betting this was for a cut capture feature. Not electrical insulation.

 

[PFSard]

I have a 5" long pair of Boker dikes that I picked up at an estate sale a couple of months ago. The same features. I wondered what the purpose was.

 

[rlitman]

You could probably re-create the original intention pretty easily (I know I would if I owned a set).

My first thought would be to close the jaws on a piece of wax paper, and fill in the entire area with hot melt glue. Another option would be to close the jaws, fill in with glue and slit with a razor once cooled (that might end up more symmetrical, as the glue couldn't push the paper around).