The present invention provides a cutting implement comprising a fixed jaw plate 30 connected to a first handle 20, a second handle 21 pivotably connected to said fixed jaw plate 30 and having a push edge, a moveable jaw plate 40 pivotable relative to said fixed jaw plate 30, a gear 50 for meshing with cooperation means on the moveable jaw plate 40 such that rotation of said gear 50 causes pivoting of said moveable jaw plate 40 rotation means for engaging and rotating the gear 50 when the second handle 21 is moved towards the first handle 20, and a check plate 60 pivotably mounted on the fixed jaw plate 30 and biased towards the gear 50, said check plate 60 having a projection, wherein, in use, said check plate 60 prevents rotation of said gear 50, in a direction opposite to the rotation caused by the push plate 70 and hence movement of the moveable jaw plate 40 away from the fixed jaw plate 30 until the second handle 21 is moved to a release position in which the push edge of the second handle 21 abuts the projection on the check plate 60 causing the check plate 60 to pivot away from said gear 50.
