A hand operated cutting tool (100) includes a first cutting member (120); a first handle (110) including a second cutting member (130), wherein the second cutting member is coupled to the first cutting member and includes a first set of projections (160); and a second handle (112) including a lever, wherein the lever is coupled to the first cutting member and includes a second set of projections (170). The first and second handles are movable between a full open position and a full closed position, wherein during a first region of travel proximate the full open position the first and second set of projections are disengaged, and during a second region of travel proximate the full closed position the first and second set of projections are at least partly engaged.
