Abstract: A shearing apparatus comprising an index portion, a thumb portion, and a ripping portion. The index portion has an index blade arcuately movable in a first direction defining an arc about a pivot. The thumb portion is pivotably connected to the index portion at the pivot, and has a thumb blade arcuately movable in a second direction that is substantially opposite the arc of the first direction. The ripping portion is disposed on the thumb blade or the index blade, and has a ripping blade manually movable in a third direction at an angle, parallel or perpendicular to a line parallel to at least one of the index blade and the thumb blade.

Abstract: A shearing apparatus comprising an index portion and a thumb portion that are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot mechanism. One of the thumb blade and index blade is provided with a serrated portion, while the other of the index blade and the thumb blade is provided with a cutting edge, such that the serrated portion and the cutting edge cooperate with one another during the relative pivoting movement of the index portion and the thumb portion to carry out a shearing or severing action. The shearing apparatus can alternatively comprise a single blade portion, pulled by a handle, and provided with a serrated portion. In both embodiments, the serrated portion has a configuration that presents a compound angle, which comprises a cutting edge angle and an angle relative to the longitudinal direction.