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There is nothing more annoying than to poke and prod at an oyster that just won’t give an inch. Having the wrong oyster knife can make shucking oysters seem like pulling teeth.
Shucking oysters looks so easy when you see it done by professionals. Just slide the knife in the hinge, make a quick turn of the wrist, and the shell pops open, revealing the tasty treat inside. Their secret – the best oyster knife.
Moreover, restaurants charge quite a lot of money for oysters. However, you can save yourself some money by shucking and eating oysters at home. To enjoy an easy and pain-free oyster shucking experience, you need a good quality, sturdy knife. But before reviewing some of the top oyster knives available, let’s first discuss some important things about these knives:
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Oyster Knife
- OUR TOP PICK: Victorinox 7.6399.3-X1
- RUNNER-UP: OXO Good Grips Oyster Knife
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Oyster Shucking Knife Set of 2 by Melocean
Comparison of the Best Oyster Knives
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Can Any Knife Be Used For Shucking Oysters?
No, fresh oysters are quite difficult to open, and you need a good-quality shucking knife to open and enjoy these crown jewels of the sea.
Although oyster knives are typically as inexpensive as standard knives, these purpose-built tools perform differently. They are built with a non-slip handle that makes them safer to use when shucking oysters. Moreover, they are designed with a shorter blade and sharp tip as it provides more leverage and makes it easier to open the oysters.
Regular knives, on the other hand, are longer with wider tips, which make it hard to wedge them within the oyster hinge to pry it open.
What Makes a Knife Great For Shucking Oysters?
If you want a sturdy and durable shucking knife, then you should keep the following considerations in mind:
Handle
If you are going to be shucking oysters regularly, then you need a knife that is comfortable to hold. Avoid knives that have an irregular shape or are designed with straight edges. It is best to look for a knife that molds to the shape of your hand and is big enough to curl your fingers and thumb around it.
Handles that are made from rubber or plastic work best as they are slip-resistant and easy to grip. Wood is also a good option; however, it may retain moisture and can smell a bit. Avoid using any knives with a slick surface as they can prove dangerous and time-consuming.
Blade
A good-quality oyster shucking knife should have a blade that is rugged, durable, and tough to easily open oysters easily and quickly. Moreover, it should be three inches long designed with a rounded or bent tip to easily open the oysters and cut the abductor’s muscle. Saltwater from the oysters can also damage your knife blade over time.
Ferritic stainless steel is an excellent material for blades and is used by several reputable manufacturers.
However, it is quite expensive. High carbon steel is another good-quality material. It is durable and more prone to rust and corrosion as compared to traditional stainless steel or alloy blades.
Knife Guard
Knife guards protect the user against nicks and cuts. However, they can add unnecessary weight to the knife, which, in turn, could make it cumbersome.
A large number of knives nowadays are designed with a slight bulge in the handle, which ensures the protection of hands in case of a slip. Make sure that you choose a knife that gives particular attention to your safety.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Oyster Knives
Here are the best oyster knives:
Review of the Best Oyster Knives
There is a plethora of oyster shucking knives on the market. They come in different sizes, shapes, and blade designs. There are so many options that they will leave you wondering which one will be best for you.
No need to fret, because we have reviewed some of the best oyster shucking knives so that you can invest in the one that provides the best value for money and is perfect for your needs.
Best Overall:
Victorinox 7.6399.3-X1
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent buyers, this knife does not disappoint. It has beautiful engravings that are clean, a robust yet tactile handle, and blade polished to mirror-like quality. Buyers also find the slight bend in its tip very convenient as it makes it easier to open the oysters. Another plus point of this knife is that it is dishwasher safe.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Made by one of the most renowned cutlery brands in Switzerland, this oyster knife is excellence in itself. Its curved tip glides smoothly between the shells to enable easy opening. These knives are ambidextrous and can be used easily by both left – and right-handed people.
Its ergonomically designed curved rubber handle is slip-resistant, which makes it safe for work in the kitchen where your hands are wet most of the time. This handle is narrow in the middle, which ensures a good palm and thumb grip.
The Victorinox is designed with a thin blade tip that makes it perfect for hinges of all sizes. Its excellent performance enables it makes it to tackle even the most exacting oyster shells easily and in quick succession.
Bottom Line
If you want to shuck oysters like a pro, then this Victorinox oyster knife is just for you. It features a 2 ¾-inch hooked tip and a red-colored, non-slip handle that provides a firm grip making it easier to dig in even the most stubborn shells.
Runner-up:
OXO Good Grips Oyster Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are very happy with the performance of this knife, as it can easily shuck even the most stubborn oyster within seconds. Many buyers have already used many oyster knives, but they find this product to be the best. According to buyers, the tip of this knife is very thin, and it easily slides into the crack of the shell.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The OXO Good Grips oyster knife will make short work of shucking the oysters with complete ease. Its stainless steel blade with the bent tip makes prying the oysters pretty straightforward. Moreover, it does not need you to exert any extra physical pressure to work efficiently. Besides, it is lightweight and small, which makes handling very easy.
This OXO knife has a soft and comfortable handle and a pleasant grip. This handle is designed with a non-slippery material, which helps to protect the users from any potential injuries. You can use this knife safely, even if your hands are wet. It is also dishwasher safe, which enhances customer convenience.
Bottom Line
Whether you want to shuck oysters for a small dinner party or work through a bushel of oysters, this exceptional knife is the right tool for the job. Its soft handle rests comfortably in hand without slipping. Its bent tip penetrates and opens the toughest shells with hardly any effort.
Best for the Money:
Oyster Shucking Knife Set of 2 by Melocean
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are amazed at the efficiency and speed with which they were able to shuck a large number of oysters with this knife. These knives in a nice packing and are also accompanied by a free picture guide that buyers find highly convenient. The superb quality and excellent construction of these knives assure them that they will be using this product for a long time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Made from 3CR13 German stainless steel, this knife provides a great oyster opening experience. It has a strong and rust-proof blade with a strong tip that can penetrate the hinge comfortably. The forged bolster at the end of the blade further adds to the durability of this knife. Moreover, this is a full tang knife, which means that the blade extends all the way to the handle, thus delivering greater strength and leverage.
It has a wooden handle that is reinforced with two rivets, thus providing it with more durability. This set of knives comes in a beautiful wooden box, which makes it an attractive and useful present to give on birthdays, holidays, etc.
Bottom Line
Melocean knives provide the utmost in strength and durability and are backed by a lifetime warranty that shows the manufacturer’s trust in their product. They feature an ergonomically designed handle made from wood that does not slip and is comfortable to hold.
4. Swissmar Shucker Paddy Universal
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers consider this knife money to be worth every penny. They have used different types of oysters and have found this knife to be the best that they have used. Both home cooks and professionals have used this knife, and they claim that this knife has reduced their time spent on shucking oysters by half.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Swissmar shucker paddy universal has an ergo-dynamic pistol grip design that keeps the forearm aligned with the blade, thus making it easier to open the oysters with very little force. This knife is very different from the traditional oyster shucking knives as it has a dual-axis, which provides more leverage and makes it easier to shuck a large number of oysters.
This knife is designed with a high-quality stainless steel blade with a tapered and sharpened tip that makes it ideal for shucking all types of oysters. The integrated finger guard and non-slip handle ensure user safety while shucking oysters.
Bottom Line
If you want a quality oyster knife for various types and sizes of oysters, then the Swissmar Shucker Paddy Universal provides the ideal solution. It puts greater emphasis on safety, ease of use, and functionality, while its unique design makes shucking oysters a breeze.
5. Dexter-Russell 2.75-inch Oyster Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers find this knife to be the best product for shucking oysters due to various reasons. It is sharp and strong and can dig easily into the oyster. They found it to be graceful and narrow, which ensures that the shell remains intact when they open the oyster. Moreover, it does not cause any damage to the meat inside to oyster while opening.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the classic American design and its sleek, narrow blade quite impressive. The long blade has a rounded tip that allows it to slip easily into the hinge of the most stubborn oyster with hardly any difficulty. It is made from high alloy, high carbon, stain-free Dexsteel, which ensures its durability.
The slip-resistant and easy to clean polypropylene Sani-Safe handle can withstand low and high temperatures. Its blade measures 2.75-inches and has a bent tip that opens the oysters and scoops the meat very easily. Moreover, the Dexter Russell knife is NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified.
Bottom Line
If you love eating fresh oysters, you will need a good-quality shucking knife that will make this task easy for you. The Dexter Russell knife is one of the best options available, as it will help you shuck dozens of oysters within minutes. Moreover, its Sani-Safe handle is ideal for cooks who want to keep things clean in the kitchen.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying an Oyster Knife?
Before buying an oyster knife, it is best to familiarize yourself with the different attributes that make these knives unique. The following features will make it easy to narrow down your selection:
Package Feature
Some oyster knives are sold in sets, while some are sold individually. You will also notice that some oyster knives come as part of a package deal. They offer various bonus features like cut-resistant gloves, wooden boxes, or carrying sheath. Match your requirements with the specifications of your chosen knife so that your money does not go to waste.
Versatility
Oysters come in various sizes, which is why it is best to choose a durable and versatile knife that can tackle different cooking environments. You will also have to make sure that the size of the blade and knife is appropriate for the size of the shells you plan on opening. The best versatile knife will be labeled commercial-grade and will be multi-functional.
Bent or Straight Tip
The oyster knives are available on the market feature either a curved or bent tip or a straight blade with a pointed tip. The bent tip is highly efficient and makes opening the shells very easy as it catches the lip of the top shell and leverages against the bottom. Keep in mind the type and size of oysters you will be opening when choosing an oyster knife.
Hand Wash Only or Dishwasher Safe
The materials used in the making of an oyster knife determine the best way to wash them. Pay close attention to the knife’s construction to make sure that you can wash it in a dishwasher.
How to Use an Oyster Knife
- Freshly shucked oysters have a sweet brininess, which is why you must open them just before eating. As a newbie, you will need considerable practice to perfect your technique. Moreover, you should follow protective measures to prevent any accidents. Before opening the oysters, wash them under cold, running water to remove any slime or dirt.
- Place the oyster on a towel and, with your hand, hold it in place. Make sure to wear a mesh shucking glove or use one end of the towel to cover its top. Slide the tip of your knife into the hinge and apply a little pressure. Twist your knife backward and forward to pry open the oyster.
- Carefully slide the knife horizontally along the top side of the shell, cutting the abductor muscle away from the top of the shell. Remove the top of the shell completely. Slide your oyster knife under the oyster to loosen it from the bottom of the shell. Remove broken shell bits, if any, with your finger.
- Flip over the oyster in the shell so that the smooth side comes up, making it more presentable.
If you are still not clear on how best to use your oyster shucking knife, you can watch the video below and improve your technique.
Conclusion
Choosing the best oyster knife from thousands of products out there can be quite a challenge. We hope that the reviews above will give you a better idea of what to look for in a quality product. Moreover, they will help you find a reliable blade that will be perfect for your needs regardless of the type of oysters you are planning on eating.
People Also Ask
If you are new to shucking oysters, then you must have a lot of questions about the performance and efficiency of oyster knives. We have included some of the most commonly asked questions here so that you can have complete knowledge about them before choosing a model that is perfect for you.
Should an Oyster Knife Be Sharp?
Typically oyster knives have symmetric, straight blades that are 2.5 inches to four inches in length. Since the point of contact between the knife and the oyster is the tip, it is the tip that is usually sharp and not the blade itself.
Can You Open Oysters Without an Oyster Knife?
If you do not have a shucking knife, then you can use heat to open an oyster. This is a very simple and safe way to enjoy these delicious treats. Place the oyster on a grill or a campfire with the cupped side down and the hinge facing towards you for about 15 minutes.
Can You Shuck Oysters With a Regular Knife?
Although you can open an oyster with a regular knife or a screwdriver, it is best to use a good quality oyster knife for popping open the shells. A regular kitchen knife does not have a pointed tip, which can make them a dangerous substitute for oyster knives.
What is the Difference Between an Oyster Knife and a Clam Knife?
Both these knives have a slight difference in appearance because oysters and clams are not opened the same way. Clam knives are longer and leaner with a rounded tip. They are blunted on one side to make them easily maneuverable with fingertips. These knives use a squeezing motion to slide into the shell, lacerating the muscles that hold it closed. Available in two sizes, large and small, these knives should be purchased according to the size of clams that you want to open.
Oyster knives, on the other hand, are broader, squatter, and shorter in appearance. They are used to open the oysters by pushing the knife through the back of the oyster with force. These knives are designed with a pointed tip, while the edges are typically beveled. These knives come in a variety of shapes and lengths. Your choice will depend on your handling style and the species of oyster on which you will be using this specialized tool.
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