The Best Oyster Knives in 2022

For many of us, oyster shucking shouldn’t be an on a regular basis talent, however whether or not you shuck on the common or just a few instances per yr, having the suitable oyster knife could be important to consuming effectively—or struggling to eat a lot in any respect. 

“We lose about half our knives a yr as a result of folks by accident throw them away, so I’m all the time desirous about oyster knives,” says Hope Barber-McIntosh of Bowen’s Island Restaurant, positioned by itself namesake island simply exterior of Charleston, South Carolina. Final yr alone, the restaurant served 2,500 bushels of roasted oysters. That’s numerous knives misplaced, numerous knives changed, and numerous educating folks on easy methods to use them. 

“First off, it’s necessary to guard your oyster-holding hand with a towel or a glove,” Barber-McIntosh says. “After which it’s important to have an oyster knife with a deal with that’s effectively connected to the blade, comfy, and durable.” Past that, since good oyster shucking all the time begins with cracking the shell’s hinge, a pointy level to the knife is an efficient factor, particularly when shucking wild oysters (reminiscent of the type served at Bowen’s) that always have thicker shells than the farmed selection. 

No matter whether or not you’re consuming wild or farmed oysters—uncooked, roasted, or baked with breadcrumbs and cheese—an excellent oyster knife is a necessary kitchen software for the seafood-serving cook dinner. Listed here are a few of our favourite picks. 

Our Prime Picks

Finest General: R. Murphy Knives New Haven Shucker

Blade size: 2.58 inches |  Blade: Excessive carbon stainless-steel | Deal with: Recycled plastic  

Why we selected it: There are few higher methods to rejoice the bounty of the ocean than by shucking a sustainable bivalve with a shucker whose development supplies have been cleaned from the ocean. 

Chances are high in case you’ve been to an oyster pageant in the previous couple of years you’ve seen one in all these vivid inexperienced infants within the palms of somebody shucking oysters, since they’re versatile for each newcomers and professionals, have a non-slip grip, and clear up simply. Sturdy and made within the USA from recycled ocean plastic, these knives are supposed to be serviceable (they usually positively maintain as much as bushels of oysters), however we particularly love them as a result of they’re additionally good for the atmosphere: identical to oysters.

Finest Worth: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Non-Slip Oyster Knife

Blade size: 2.75 inches | Blade: Stainless-steel  | Deal with: Non-slip plastic

Why we selected it: Oysters are a fantastic occasion exercise and meals, and these sturdy knives are economical sufficient to purchase multiples, but sturdy sufficient to be a worthy take-home reward for favored friends.

With their non-slip grips, OXO model merchandise have change into intertwined with the concept of security within the kitchen, and so it is smart that they’d construct a sturdy, non-slip oyster shucker. The bulb of the deal with matches simply and comfortably within the hand in case you haven’t fairly worn a callus from shucking bushels of oysters, and whereas moist shells may be slippery, this deal with received’t be. And since these knives usually are not solely helpful, cheap, and dishwasher protected, they’re our selection for oyster events, whether or not roasted, uncooked, or slurped dockside.  

Finest for the Newbie Oyster Fanatic: Toadfish Oyster Shucker’s Bundle

Blade size: 3 inches | Blade: Japanese stainless-steel | Deal with: Recycled plastic  Included elements: Two blades and a cut-resistant shucking towel 

Why we selected it: That is the oyster knife set that may develop with you as you hone your oyster-shucking expertise.

The one who has found the artwork and pleasure of shucking oysters will discover this fantastically designed bundle from Toadfish the invitation to proceed the journey. Not solely is there a flexible, bent-tip knife designed for newcomers, there may be additionally knowledgeable version blade for cracking open thicker shells, good for when the novice is able to go professional. One other professional contact is the cut-resistant fabric, which is far more modern than that soiled towel you’ve been reaching for. And a portion of Toadfish’s income go to help oyster mattress restoration. Win, win.

Finest for the Gearhead: Swissmar Malepeque Shucker Paddy

Blade size: 2 inches | Blade: Stainless-steel | Deal with: Plastic 

Why we selected it: Versatility, precision, and the promise of velocity with this knife means you will get to consuming fantastically shucked oysters even sooner.

Should you’re in search of an oyster shucker that may be part of the toolbox on BBC’s Prime Gear, then Swissmar is aware of your type. Designed in collaboration with Patrick McMurray BPHE, World Champion oyster shucker, and Guinness Report Holder for 39 oysters opened in a single minute, this shucker, with its dual-axis pistol grip deal with design and built-in finger guard is constructed for precision and velocity, identical to that automobile you’ve been eyeing since endlessly. As a result of it’s totally different from numerous different shuckers in the marketplace, it does take some apply, however as soon as the educational curve is accomplished, you’ll be able to obtain these competition-shucker desires. 

Finest for Precision: Melocean Oyster Knife Shucking Set 

Blade size: 4 inches | Blade: 3cr13 Stainless-steel | Deal with: Wooden 

Why we selected it: A pointy tip and sharp knife edge help in opening oysters cleanly and detaching meat from the shell with ease. 

Whereas Hao Phan, line cook dinner and oyster shucker extraordinaire at Automatic Seafood & Oysters in Birmingham, Alabama has an ever-expanding knife and shucker assortment, he counts these Melocean shuckers as favorites. “A lot of the greater blades don’t slice by the inductor blade, and you find yourself having to scrape, which works, however makes it simpler to mess up the oyster,” he says. His aim is to “shuck them quick, however make them look good,” and the sharp tip on these knives could make fast work of breaking the hinge and entering into the oyster. Since Phan shucks 600-800 oysters throughout any busy shift, we’re inclined to take his recommendation. One other piece of his recommendation: “Deal with these with the identical care that you’d a chef’s knife, and they’re going to deal with you effectively.” 

Finest Basic / Fashionable Combo: Made In Oyster Shucker

Blade size: 2.63 inches | Blade: 420HC Excessive carbon stainless-steel | Deal with: Walnut 

Why we selected it: As lovely to incorporate in an Instagram photoshoot as it’s practical when the cameras are off and the occasion is on, this crosshatched deal with will maintain you shucking all evening lengthy.

This cookware firm has made a splash with cooks {and professional} cooks, and its oyster shucker delivers as effectively. For people who desire a traditional look that shies away from plastic, this darkish walnut deal with with its brass rivets appears to be like the half, whereas its sharp blade and crosshatched, barely outsized deal with create a sturdy grip appropriate for even much less skilled shuckers. We suspect the crosshatching may splinter after years of use, particularly if this sits in a puddle of salty water on an oyster desk too lengthy, however thus far, its type and performance have saved us going, as it really works on every thing from uncooked oysters from Prince Edward Island to roasted oysters, hot and bubbly out of the oven. 

Finest for a Particular Event: Emergo Designs Original Oyster Knife

Blade size: 2.5 inches | Blade: RWL34 stainless-steel | Deal with: Padauk wooden 

Why we selected it: Oysters are sometimes celebratory, and in case you’re celebrating one thing particular, this knife is an heirloom within the making. 

Made by a craftsman and engineer from an oyster-farming household that spans generations, these knives are lovely and practical, and one-of-a-kind in case you select to engrave them. The deal with is crafted of African Padauk wooden, which has a refined sheen, excessive sturdiness, and pure resistance to decay (well-suited for the messy work of shucking oysters). It additionally is available in a picket case with knife oil and a certificates of authenticity, so we don’t have to say that that is hand-wash solely, right?

How We Selected These Merchandise

The writer is an oyster fanatic who is aware of her manner round a briny bivalve and has shucked many instances with sub-standard oyster knives, so she knew what not to search for in a shucker. Then she tapped some skilled restaurant consultants who offered steerage—and in Phan’s case, a particular knife advice—for the most effective attributes in high quality oyster knives. These knives most carefully matched up with these qualities. 

Options to Maintain in Thoughts When Purchasing for Oyster Knives

Security 

“The larger the oyster, the sturdier the knife,” Phan says. In the beginning of every shift, Phan rigorously arranges his varied shuckers on a sheet pan in order that he could make various selections relying on the oysters the friends have ordered. West coast oysters may want a extra delicate contact as their shells could be brittle, whereas wild-caught gulf oysters want a little bit of heft to interrupt the hinge, and thus a hearty blade. 

Design

Prepare dinner, know thyself. Should you’re the kind of individual that leaves that one hand-wash-only dish lingering within the sink for days, then do your self a stable and select a dishwasher-safe model. The identical concept holds true if you wish to shuck on the common versus solely often, which is able to direct you to totally different knives on this record. 

High quality

An important side of high quality is the blade, adopted by a well-attached deal with or a tang that runs by the size of the deal with. If the blade is flimsy and can warp or loosen from the deal with, it is going to be simpler for the knife to slide when you’re utilizing it, growing the chance of an harm. An oyster knife is a knife, in spite of everything, so related concerns as to development and supplies apply. 

Ask the Consultants

Q: Do oyster knives should be sharp?

Normally sure, however typically not a lot. That ambiguous reply is due to the way you shuck an oyster—by holding it in your hand with a fabric. Whereas skilled shuckers like Phan love a pointy edge to chop the inductor muscle cleanly, these new to shucking oysters may discover the combo of slippery shells, shucking in hand, and sharp knives, effectively, harmful. Nevertheless, for each amateurs and professionals, a pointed knife tip is crucial to maneuver by the hinge. 

Q: What’s the distinction between an oyster knife and a clam knife?

Oyster knives have shorter blades with sharper suggestions than clam knives, which normally sport a extra rounded tip. However whereas we discovered {that a} sturdy, well-made oyster knife may also open different shells, a clam knife could be unwieldy for a lot of oysters. 

Q: How do you maintain an oyster knife?

“Maintain it on the fringe of the blade along with your index finger and thumb [in your dominant hand], like a chef’s knife,” Phan says. Level the tip of the knife at an angle into the hinge of the oyster in your different hand. Proceed rigorously. 

Q: Ought to I wash oysters earlier than shucking? 

Sure, ideally with a robust stream of water. Oysters reside in mud, and whereas mud makes the oysters blissful, it doesn’t have the identical impact in your tastebuds—and it’s unhygienic. Discard any oysters which can be open, then unfold the remaining in a single layer earlier than spraying off to ensure every shell is clear earlier than getting out these oyster knives.

Our Take

Properly-made oyster knives ought to have a pointed tip and a robust stainless-steel blade well-attached to the deal with. Past that, the alternatives range relying in your talent as a shucker, the kind of oyster you’re shucking, and the velocity and precision with which you want to open the shells. All of those choices are worthy additions to your own home kitchen. 

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