The present disclosure relates to a ram system for a blowout preventer. The ram system includes a first ram having an interlocking arm, where the interlocking arm includes a first anti-deflection feature. The ram system includes a second ram having a second anti-deflection feature. The first ram and the second ram are configured to move toward one another along a longitudinal axis to reach an engaged configuration. The second ram is configured to receive the interlocking arm of the first ram to enable the first anti-deflection feature to engage with the second anti-deflection feature while the first ram and the second ram are in the engaged configuration to thereby enable the first and second anti-deflection features to block deflection of the interlocking arm relative to a lateral axis, an axial axis, or both.