Get a sturdy, reliable oyster knife to handle all your bivalve needs when ready to shuck fresh oysters. How often you'll shuck, as well as the kinds of oysters that you'll shuck, will affect the choice of your oyster knife.
It's recommended to have one in your hands to better feel the way it feels. The grip should be comfortable and easy to hold, and the blade must be robust enough to break open the toughest shells.
How We've Made Our Selection
So you want to buy an oyster knife but don't know which one is best for you?
Believe us; it can be tough to figure out which oyster knife is the right fit for your needs. With so many options available, it's hard to know where to start.
We're here to help. Our editors have taken the time to learn about each product and its company to provide you with the most accurate information possible. We've also read the customer feedback to recommend only the highest-quality knives.
Below are our top five picks for the best oyster knives available on the market.
1. Toadfish Oyster Shucking Knife
Why We Love It
This is the oyster knife set that will grow alongside you while you improve your skills at oyster shucking. Anyone that has discovered the skill and pleasure of shucking oysters will be able to find this beautiful package from Toadfish an invitation to go on a journey. It's not just an incredibly flexible bent-tip knife for novices but a professional-grade blade to crack open the thicker shells.
At Toadfish, their goal is to supply areas along the coast with oyster beds brimming with pollution-causing bivalves to reduce human activity's impact on our precious waterways. They also boast some of the most high-quality and well-engineered equipment currently available.
What You Should Know
This is ideal for those who are looking to become a pro. A further pro-grade feature is a cut-resistant cloth that is more trendy than the soiled towel you've used. Additionally, a portion of the Toadfish's earnings goes towards restoring oyster beds. Win, win.
The stainless steel blade design is long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for the home cook who wants a top-quality oyster knife. The stainless steel blades are stain-free and rust-resistant and have sharp edges on both sides of the knife. The plastic handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are contoured for comfort and easy grip.
2. Dexter-Russell Oyster Knife: Boston Style
Why We Love It
This Dexter-Russell knife is just what you need for precision cutting. It has a non-slip handle that is contoured for comfortable use, and the blade is made of durable stainless steel. Plus, because it's from Dexter-Russell, you can be sure it's built for efficiency and will be long-lasting.
The reviewers have noted that they can open an abundance of oysters quickly and that this knife has served them quite a while. Following each use, wash your hands and dry them to achieve the best results.
What You Should Know
If you're shucking lots of big oysters, you'll need a knife to handle the weight and size of these oyster shells. The Boston-style knife comes with a narrow 4" blade, making it nearly twice the length of others' oyster knives.
This makes it easy to move through massive hinges and shells. The high-carbon stainless blades are tough enough to ensure it doesn't break or bend and are thin enough to open hinges without damaging the whole oyster shell.
3. R. Murphy/Ramelson Duxbury Oyster Knife
Why We Love It
What are the opinions of buyers? 92% of the 150or more Amazon reviewers gave this product 4 stars or higher.
This oyster knife is popular for professional cooks, oyster farmers, and cooks at home. The 2-inch stainless steel blade can cut through the tough hinge of an oyster without exerting a ton of pressure. (Longer blades are more prone to breaking or bending.)
What You Should know
The blade's tip is sharp, making it simpler to reach the hinge of oysters and remove the top shell without damaging its bottom shell. The plastic handle made of green polypropylene isn't just a chic design, but it's also simple to hold and feels comfortable in your hands.
The knife was developed with the most important aspects in mind. Farmers from Island Creek Oyster were consulted throughout the design process. The knife is light, and the blade and handle are balanced, which makes it effortless to move around oysters.
However, due to the size of the blade, expect to use this knife on small to medium oysters.
4. Mercer Culinary Oyster Knife: Boston Style
Why We Love It
If you're brand new to shucking oysters and want to start with a knife that's not too costly, This Boston-style knife will give you the most bang for your money. With a price of less than $10, this popular oyster knife comes with a sleek white polypropylene handle that's beautiful as it's practical, and the 3-inch stainless steel blade performs well in gently opening oyster shells.
But don't judge this knife by the price. It might be your new favorite oyster knife!
What You Should Know
The sharp edge of the high-carbon steel blade is rounded, which adds extra security. If you're a novice to shucking oysters, there's no need to fret about any mishaps. Most reviewers are pleased with the high end and efficiency of the knife, particularly considering the price. A few reviewers complain that the blade is not the sharpness department, which can help make the work more comfortable and secure.
5. Victorinox Oyster Knife: New Haven Style
Why We Love It
The Victorinox Oyster 2¾" Blade is made of the highest quality Swiss and Victorinox materials, making it an essential tool for every kitchen. The innovative and durable design is perfect for those who want the best performance from their knives. The ergonomic, super grip handle is slip resistant even when wet, making it easy and safe to use. The Oyster 2¾" Blade is a must-have for shucking oysters!
What You Should Know
The New Haven-style oyster knife has a high-carbon steel blade with a hooked tip. High-carbon steel is a popular choice for oyster knives because it is durable and easy to sharpen. Additionally, this knife is dishwasher safe and NSF-approved; NSF International is a public health and safety organization that sets standards for food equipment.
Overall, a dishwasher-safe knife with a high-carbon steel blade is an excellent choice for the home cook who wants a durable and easy-to-care-for oyster knife.
What to Look for When Buying Oyster Knives
Quality
The primary element of quality is the blade, followed by a securely attached handle or long tang that runs the entire length of the hand. If the blade appears fragile and tends to loosen or warp in hand, it'll be more likely for your knife to slip when you're using it, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Handle
Most people are familiar with the standard plastic or wooden handle options for oyster knives, but did you know that various materials can be used for handles? Metal, stone, and even shell are all common choices for at-home cooks. Each material has its unique benefits and drawbacks.
For example, wooden handles are classic and elegant but require more care and maintenance than other options. Stone handles are extremely durable, but they can be quite heavy. Shell handles offer a beautiful natural look, but they can be delicate and difficult to clean.
Ultimately, the best material for a handle is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. So if you're looking for something different, don't be afraid to experiment with some other options. You might just find your new favorite kitchen tool.
Blade
Oyster knives are one the most important tools for a chef who loves fresh oysters. They come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific type of oyster.
The most common materials for oyster knife blades are stainless steel and carbon steel. Stainless steel is less likely to rust, but it can be difficult to sharpen. Carbon steel is easier to sharpen but more susceptible to rusting. No matter what material you choose, ensure your oyster knife is sharp before you use it.
A dull knife can be dangerous and will not get the job done properly. You can easily open even the toughest oysters with a sharp knife without damaging the delicate flesh. So, if you want to add an oyster knife to your kitchen collection, do your research and choose the right blade.
Different Types Of Oyster Knives
Oyster knives are also called shucking knives and are available in various sizes, shapes, and styles. Below is a selection of different oyster knives and which oysters are better suitable for these knives. They all have the same components and functions but have distinct appearances or dimensions.
Galveston
This style typically comes with a robust, wide 4-inch blade with a slightly sharp edge. These Galveston knives are typically used for commercial purposes, especially for oysters with larger sizes like large, medium, or European, as well as larger Atlantic oysters.
New Haven
This model features a 2-1/2 "straight blade with an upturned round edge. It's well-suited to the hinge-type standard opening. It is well-adapted to standard hinges. New Haven opens from small to medium Atlantic and Pacific oysters, notably half-shell oysters.
They can also open Olympia and Kumamoto; however, they are quite challenging to install in the hinge.
Boston
A standard oyster knife with a long, narrow blade, usually 3''-4". and an ergonomic handle that is effortless to carry. The Boston tool can handle all the available oysters, including bigger Pacific or Atlantic oysters, as well as any other sizes of oysters.
The best oyster knives will be able to handle the toughest oyster shells. The wrong choice could harm your food and cause injury while using it.
Providence
A short, broad blade also characterizes the design of Providence with an easy sharp edge. This oyster knife suggests shucking medium and small-sized Pacific, Olympia, and small Atlantic oysters with an open hinge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oyster Knives
What's the difference between an oyster knife and a clam knife?
Oyster knives have shorter blades with sharper edges than clam knives, which typically have round tips. However, while we discovered that a strong, well-made oyster knife could open different shells, a clam knife may be too heavy for most oysters.
Do oyster knives have to be razor-sharp?
Most of the time, yes, but occasionally it's not always. This is because of how you shuck an oyster - by holding it in your palm using cloth. Professional shuckers such as Phan are drawn to sharp edges to slice through the inductor muscle precisely; those who are just beginning to shuck oysters could be hesitant about the combination that includes slippery shells by hand as sharp knives extremely hazardous. But for both professionals and amateurs, sharp knife tips are vital to get across the hinge.
Do I need to wash oysters before shucking them?
It's a good idea, especially with a steady stream of water. Oysters are found in mud, and while mud is good for making oysters of the world happy, it does not provide the same pleasure to your taste buds. In addition, it's not hygienic. Get rid of oysters that have opened. Then, spread the rest of them in a single layer. Spray off to ensure the oyster knives are clean before taking out.
What is the best way to hold an oyster knife?
Opening an oyster can be a bit of a process, but once you shuck a few oysters and get the hang of it, you will find that it is easy. First, you'll want to find a sharp knife - an oyster knife works best for this. Hold the oyster in your non-dominant hand, with the oyster's edge facing towards your palm. Take the knife in your dominant hand and place the edge of the blade at the hinge of the oyster. You'll want to hold the knife so that the blade is pointing at an angle toward the edge of the oyster. Gently apply pressure to the oyster with the knife until you feel it start to give way. Once you've pried open the oyster, you can then remove the top shell and enjoy your delicious treat!
Which Best Oyster Knife is Best for You?
If you're looking for the best oyster knife, any of our options can be great. The ultimate decision comes down to your preference for the shape and blade length. A great oyster knife will open oyster shells all day long or be reliable for your Saturday night get-together. Just remember, if you take care of your oyster knife, it will take care of you.
Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional shucker, we hope this list has helped you find your next oyster knife.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
1. Toadfish Oyster Shucking Knife
2. Dexter-Russell Oyster Knife: Boston Style
3. R. Murphy/Ramelson Duxbury Oyster Knife
