the lock/unlock slide, pinches hand between the slide lock and against the other handle (the lock slide stays attached to one side, sliding up and down, and it pinches skin against the other handle when using cutters wheither the slide is in lock or unlock mode, it pinches in either position when cutting or pruning). they are not as sharp as other brands either. just not a commercial or 'use on a regular basis' type of product. the pinching will make you throw them in the garbage, the cutting is actually not too bad, but i only use these for emergency, when i can't find my other pair.