A hand operated cutting tool includes a first handle coupled to a first cutting member, wherein the first handle has a first set of projections. The hand operated cutting tool also includes a second handle coupled to a second cutting member, wherein the second handle has a second set of projections. The 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 gear projections are at least partly engaged, and wherein during a second region of travel proximate the full closed position the first and second gear projections are disengaged.
