An electrosurgical forceps includes an end effector including a first jaw member having a proximal portion including a first jaw guide member and a distal portion including a first tissue contacting surface, and a second jaw member having a proximal portion including a second jaw guide member and a distal portion including a second tissue contacting surface. The first and second tissue contacting surfaces each include a shear edge disposed between stepped surfaces. The jaw members are vertically movable between an open position and a first approximated position in which the tissue contacting surfaces vertically oppose and laterally align with each other, and laterally movable between the first approximated position and a second approximated position to laterally displace the tissue contacting surfaces with respect to each other. The jaw guide members control an open angle between the jaw members during movement between the first and second approximated positions.
