All oyster lovers agree that nothing beats fresh oysters. But not everyone has the cash to go to a pricey restaurant. The solution? Eat oysters at home! Not only can you eat more than what you would in the restaurant, but you’d also have a fun time.
Oysters should be consumed immediately once opened. But don’t worry. With the right oyster shucking knife, patience, and practice, you’ll have the best shucking experience. Here we take a look at some of the best oyster knives available today.
Top 10 Oyster Shucking Knives Review
We know the task of finding the perfect oyster knife for your needs may seem daunting. That’s why we combed through each oyster knife review to find the best for you.
This list features the 10 best oyster knives today. We’re sure that any oyster knife here will have excellent quality and value at the best price on Amazon.
Dexter Russell New Haven Oyster Knife: Best Overall
Key Features
- High carbon, high alloy, stain-free DEXSTEEL blade
- NSF certified
- Sani-safe handle
- Manufactured in the US
- Not dishwasher safe
This New Haven Style Oyster knife comprises high carbon, high alloy, and stain-free DEXSTEEL, which measures a total of 9.5 inches.
Its American-made blades measure 2 and 3/4 inches and have a bent tip. Dexter Edge uses patented technology users have trusted for nearly a century.
The white handle is ergonomically designed. And if you’re looking to buy for your business, this knife is NSF-approved [R] with a Sani-safe grip you can use in commercial kitchens.
Another Dexter Russell model features a beechwood handle made of superior quality, with the same great features.
However, some rare users noticed that the tip is prone to bending during use. Others said the blade is too thick for a shell with a small hinge. It also requires handwashing.
Don’t let this discourage you, though.
These Dexter Russell knives have a 4.8-star review rating. Many have been using this for decades, even in commercial kitchens. Even professional oyster shell shuckers have posted verified reviews, giving these knives 5 stars.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you don’t require an ultrathin blade and don’t mind handwashing, this knife is excellent for domestic & commercial use. It’s also the only one with a white stain-free grip.
Pros
- High-quality blade for easy use
- Comfortable to hold
- Can be used in commercial kitchens
- The handle will remain free from stains
- Beautiful design
- Looks clean
- Sani-safe handle kills 99.9% of bacteria
Cons
- Requires handwashing
- Less suitable for a shell with a small hinge
- More difficult to travel with
HiCoup Kitchenware Full Tang Blade Oyster Shucking Knife: Best Value
Key Features
- Ergonomic design
- Non-slip
- Brown grain Pakkawood
- 420 stainless steel
- Compact
- Absolute money-back guarantee (return or refund)
- Gorgeous for gift-giving
- Comes with a knife sheath
While we rated the Dexter Russel knife itself better overall, you can’t argue with the value you get here. This HiCoup Oyster Knife is the full tang [R] model. It measures 6 and 1/2 inches from tip to tip, with a full tang that runs through the entire length of the oyster knife. The blade itself measures 2 and 1/2 inches.
The knife is made of 420 stainless steel. The Pakkawood [R] handle ensures the best grip and ergonomically fits into your palm.
Lightweight and compact, the HiCoup Oyster Shucking Knife is best suited for shucking smaller oysters. Its size makes it easy to bring on outdoor trips, especially with the free knife sheath complete with a belt loop.
To ensure your safety, it comes with an oversized hand guard. The blade and handle are held together by three rivets to ensure they are entirely secure.
Verified buyers have also attested that the knife doesn’t slip when you’re using it.
Reassuringly, HiCoup has a 100% money-back guarantee no matter the price.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you typically prefer smaller oyster varieties or need to use your knife outdoors frequently, this is for you. And, if you’re looking to have a sheath included, or are concerned for safety, these things make it a good choice too.
Pros
- The handle ensures no slipping during use
- Nice sheath included
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Oversized handguard to prevent accidents
Cons
- The blade may be too small
- Not suitable for big hands
- Could be slightly harder to leverage / turn
Oxo Good Grips Oyster Knife: Best Budget Pick
Key Features
- Low price point
- High quality and super strong blade
- Stainless steel with a hooked tip
- Non-slip silicone safety handle
- Maintains grip even when wet
- Makes an excellent affordable gift
The Oxo Good Grips Oyster Knife gives you the best quality blade at a price point that doesn’t hurt. It measures 6.75 inches from tip to tip and weighs a mere 1.58 ounces.
This Oxo knife features a 3-inch stainless steel blade with a bent tip to help you shuck. Its blade is thin enough to get inside the hinge quickly. The pointy edge also makes the opening oysters easier than store-bought oyster knives that usually have a rounded tip.
The handle is soft and features an ergonomic design for ease of use.
Verified buyers’ reviews have attested to its durability, saying that it can open an oyster that other blades usually can’t. It is strong enough that it will not bend while twisting to separate the oyster shells.
Any person with decent hand strength can shuck an oyster with this in under a minute. With enough practice, you can even shuck an oyster in just 10 to 15 seconds!
However, some buyers have commented that this requires a little bit more twisting with your wrist than more expensive oyster knives because it does not have enough leverage.
Others also consider the blade to be too thick and difficult to use with more rigid oyster shells. Others have noticed that after shucking a few oysters in a row, the handle tends to get slippery.
Is It the Knife for You?
The perfect oyster knife for the beginner who wants good value, its grip ensures you remain safe while practicing your shucking skills. The price is low enough that it won’t hurt if you decide shucking isn’t for you after giving it a try.
Pros
- Safe to use
- Comfortable to handle
- Easy to bring anywhere
- Good starter knife
- Affordable if needed only for special events
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May require more wrist movement
- Grip gets slippery after a few oysters
- Some may find the blade too short
Victorinox Oyster Knife 2-3/4 inches
Key Features
- Choose among 5 models
- High carbon steel
- Supergrip silicone handle
- The grip is maintained even when wet
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Compact size
You wouldn’t think that Oyster Knife + Victorinox go together. But the Victorinox Oyster Knife is a fantastic deal. And with the assurance that it is Swiss-made, rest assured, it’s excellent quality.
All models have a handle that uses Supergrip silicone, ensuring you stay safe whenever you use it. It is also ergonomically designed, so you stay comfortable while shucking the many oysters you’ll eat with this.
All their blades are made of high carbon steel, with the Victorinox logo prominently displayed.
You can choose between 5 models, which are all available on Amazon.
The only difference between these models is their blade designs. They have slight variations in the shapes and widths of their blade. In effect, hopefully, this helps you choose the best knife depending on the type of oyster shell you plan to use it for.
The Boston model has both a 3-inch and 4-inch blade option. It has the thinnest blade among the 5. The Galveston is slightly wider than Boston, with a similar length.
The New Haven model has a New Haven Style Blade. This particular style has the same width as the Boston model, but its length is only 2 and 3/4 inches. It also comes with a hooked tip.
The Providence model is similar to the New Haven, with a different shape.
It is NSF approved for use in commercial kitchens and dishwasher safe.
Want to host a clam bake or go on a long fishing trip? That’s no problem! Its size is small enough that you can take it on all your trips.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you prefer a custom shape or size for your oyster shucking blade, this is the knife for you.
Pros
- Models let you choose the perfect one for you
- Assurance of high quality
- Safe to use
- Easy to bring anywhere
Cons
- Not suitable for larger oysters
- The tip could chip or bend
Swissmar Shucker Paddy Universal Oyster Knife
Key Features
- Universal shucker
- Finger guard
- Ergodynamic pistol grip handle
- HRC 55-58 stainless steel blade
- Dishwasher safe
- Guaranteed against manufacturing defects
A professional world champion shucker designs the Swissmar Shucker Paddy Universal Oyster Knife.
It prides itself on being suitable for any kind of oyster. Its handle measures 3 inches and is made of HRC 55-58 stainless steel. The end tapers to ensure its universality.
The tip has a sharp notch, designed for easy access to the oyster, especially those with a deep cup.
Its handle has a 135-degree angle, similar to a pistol, which allows for better power transfer and leverage. The material used for the handle is a durable and ergo dynamic dual-axis polycarbonate.
It also features a finger guard to keep you safe while remaining suitable for ambidextrous use.
This knife is dishwasher safe, so it is convenient to clean.
Some rare buyers have experienced the blade snapping. Its shape may also be uncomfortable for some users, especially if you have bigger hands.
Note also that cutting the adductor muscle with its unique tip requires some practice.
These Opinel oyster knives are guaranteed against manufacturing defects, even if you get it at a discounted price.
Is It the Knife for You?
Love it or hate it. There’s no in-between.
If you have small hands and want the advantage of using less effort to shuck an oyster, this is the oyster shucking knife for you.
While this may not be for everyone, if the knife is comfortable in your hands, you will love this for the extra power transfer it gives you.
Pros
- Angled handle for better leverage
- Convenient to clean
- Suitable for all types of oyster
- Allows for ambidextrous use
- Convenient to clean
- Guard prevents accidents
- Great for the hinge method
Cons
- Less suitable for those with large hands
- May be uncomfortable for some
- Limited durability
- Small risk of blade snapping during use
- The rounded end may be difficult to insert
Wusthof Classic Oyster Knife
Key Features
- 2.5-inch spade-shaped blade
- Stainless steel
- Narrowed design
- Full tang
- Strong and durable
- Guarded hilt
- Durable and strong
Made by a premium German manufacturer of kitchenware, Wusthof Small French Oyster Shucking Knives are full tang. This means the blade runs through the entire handle, preventing any weak points.
Rivets secure the blade to the handle, preventing accidents and breaking. Shaped like a spade, the stainless knife is sharp on both edges and rapidly narrows to the end.
Your hand is protected by the hand guard, though reviews have noticed that the handle can become slippery when wet.
Other Amazon reviews have stated that the short length makes it difficult to cut the adductor muscle when shucking medium and large oysters. The rectangular handle can also become uncomfortable when shucking for extended periods.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you typically consume small to medium oysters and want a knife that will last you a lifetime, this is the best oyster knife for you.
Pros
- Lasts a lifetime
- Hilt protects your hand
- Premium feel and quality
- The blade will not snap or bend
Cons
- Less suitable for large oyster shucking
- Pricier than other options
MOMONI Premium Oyster Knife Set
Key Features
- Set of 2 oyster knives
- Presentation gift box
- Performance guarantee
- Full-tang stainless steel blades
- Riveted wooden handles
- Non-slip handle
Offering premium oyster shucking knives, this oyster knife set makes the best gift. Its lightweight, compact frame makes it convenient to bring outdoors. And since it comes in a pair, you can enjoy those oysters with a friend or special someone.
The pair in this knife set each measure 8.11 inches from end to end and uses stainless steel blades. It is thin and easy to slip in to get that oyster meat.
However, reviews have noticed that the tip of the blade can be prone to breaking. Other reviews say it may be more suitable for clam shucking, as the blade is thinner and more likely to bend while prying open oysters.
The blade is not hooked at the end, so it may be harder to leverage oysters. It’s not advisable for tougher clams.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you’re looking for an awesome-looking gift for an oyster lover at the best price, this oyster shucking knife set is for you. It’s also best for those planning to eat oysters with others regularly.
Pros
- Suitable for all kinds of oysters
- Rivets keep the blade secure
- Great gift
- Perfect for couples
- Good value
Cons
- Best for oysters with a softer shell
- No hooked tip
- May be difficult to leverage
Rockland Guard Oyster Knife Shucker
Key Features
- 3.5 inches
- 420 stainless steel
- Bent tip
- Soft and comfortable rubberized
- Non-slip
- Dishwasher safe
- 30-day refund guarantee
The Rockland Guard measures 3.5 inches, and the blade is made of stainless steel. Its bent end quickly penetrates, and pries open even the toughest oyster. With the perfect width and rigidity, this oyster shucker gives you excellent power transfer.
The non-slip, easy to grip, and rubberized handle are also soft and comfortably nestled in your hand, letting oyster shuckers use this knife for hours. After use, you can easily load this up in the dishwasher.
Verified Amazon reviews rave about how comfortable this knife is to use, even when shucking oyster after oyster in a commercial kitchen. Furthermore, you can choose between getting a 1-piece or a 4-piece set.
Is It the Knife for You?
If comfort is a primary consideration for you, the Rockland Guard is one of the best you can buy.
Pros
- Comfortable to use for hours
- Durable
- Easy to bring around
- Easy to grip
- Affordable
Cons
- Not for small hands
- Plain design
Put ‘Em Back Oyster Shucker by Toadfish
Key Features
- 3-inch Japanese high carbon stainless steel blade
- Curved shape with pivot point
- 4.8 ounces in weight
- Colorful non-slip blue handle
- Money-back guarantee
With a catchy name, the Put ‘Em Back oyster knife has a 3-inch Japanese high carbon stainless steel blade that is also rust-resistant. Designed to be a multi-purpose tool, you can use this for preparing both raw and steamed oysters.
The end has a pivot point designed for safe use. The blade also sports a curved shape to give you extra leverage when oyster shucking and removing the meat from inside the shell.
The handle has an ergonomic thumb design and is slip-resistant. It is made with recyclable plastic.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you plan to prepare both raw and steamed oysters, this is for you. It’s also great for those who want an environmentally-friendly product.
Pros
- Usable for both cooked and raw oysters
- The blade is easy to maintain
- Allows for a firm hold
- Return/replacement guaranteed if you’re unhappy
- A non-slip handle keeps you safe
Cons
- No sheath
- Not for large raw Gulf Coast oysters
Opinel No. 9 Folding Knife & Shellfish/Oyster Knife
Key Features
- Beautiful design
- Foldable
- Safe retractable blade
- Sandvik modified stainless steel blade
- New Guinea Rosewood (Padauk wood) handle
- Reasonably thick blade
- The edge is only moderately sharpened
- Sharp tip for getting into the hinge
This knife is a beautiful sight to behold. Its dark brown, glossy wooden handle immediately catches the eye.
The 3.35-inch blade is made of Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It has a shortened, curved shape that is ideal for shucking oysters and shellfish. From tip to tip, it measures 7.5 inches.
This is the only oyster knife in this list that truly qualifies as a pocket knife.
It uses safety retraction technology in the blade called the Stainless Virobloc safety ring. One fixed and one sliding ring keeps you safe when you’re bringing this along. You can quickly spring it open when you need to use it.
To open or close the knife, you have to twist the ring, ensuring safe locking.
Verified buyers’ reviews have attested to the durability of this knife. Not only does it showcase great appeal, but it also performs well.
Is It the Knife for You?
If you want a piece of art as well as an excellent oyster shucking knife, this is for you. Even collectors buy this knife.
Pros
- Portable
- Durable due to quality blade
- Strictly designed for shucking shellfish
- Exquisite design for collectors
- Safe to carry around
Cons
- Some have had issues with the ring
- Not suitable for any other purpose
Why Buy An Oyster Knife?
An oyster shucking knife has a sharp tip and is usually between 2 1/2 to 4 inches long. Its edges are rarely sharp, but its end usually is. It’s designed to have this length because any longer, and it may bend or snap during oyster shucking.
A good oyster knife must be able to do one critical thing. It must help you leverage and twist the knife to open an oyster. The sharp end is used to cut the adductor muscle from the shell.
Certain types of oyster knives have particular shapes to help you open certain types or sizes of oysters better. Some are more suited for certain oyster shucking techniques than others.
Using any other tool or type of blade runs the risk of shattering the oyster. Worse, you can injure yourself if you slip.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Oyster Knife
There are numerous types of oyster knives out there. Some may look the same and only differ in very small aspects.
Others may look completely weird. When choosing among the best oyster knives, the primary consideration is figuring out what you intend to use it for. Here are some questions you should answer for yourself.
- What kinds of oysters will I most commonly use these knives for?
- What’s the size of the oysters?
- How hard or soft are their shells?
- Will you be shucking a few oysters once in a while or shucking tons over several hours?
- What kind of material do I want for the handle?
- Do I have a powerful hold, or do I need an oyster knife that gives me more leverage?
- How big or small are my hands?
- How much am I willing to spend for an oyster knife?
- How much time and effort am I willing to invest in taking care of the knife?
- Are there special features I’m looking for, and do I need these features?
Answering these questions will give you a pretty good idea of what knife best suits your needs and preferences.
However, if you’re entirely new to oyster shucking and need more background information or don’t understand why these questions are essential in the first place, read on.
Blade of the Oyster Knife
The blade has to must be made out of durable and robust material. Otherwise, it will bend or even break while you’re using it. If it does, it will be not only inconvenient but also dangerous.
The blade should at least be made of stainless steel such as 420hc or 440c, as these are more resistant to corrosion than others. Other materials will quickly corrode because of its exposure to the natural sodium that is rich in oysters.
Another type of material is high carbon steel, which is harder than stainless steel but more prone to rusting and corrosion. This also requires more after-care.
The blade can be a 2, 3, 4-inch one. The right length depends on the type of oyster you intend to use it for.
Types of Oyster Shucking Knives
If you’re new to oyster shell shucking, we know there are many foreign terms you will likely encounter. Here, we discuss the different types of blade designs and which types of oysters they’re best suited for.
New Haven Style
Featuring a 2 3/4 inch blade with a round, upturned end known as the New Haven tip, this is best for the classic hinge method of shucking oysters.
Small to medium Pacific and Atlantic oysters are great with these. It can also shuck Kumamoto and Olympia, with some difficulty in inserting the end into the hinge.
Galveston
Usually, the Galveston comes with a 4-inch blade that is broad, strong, and with moderately sharp edges.
This type is most often used commercially, as they work best with large Atlantic oysters and medium to large European ones.
Boston
The blade is long and narrow, measuring between 3 to 4 inches long. The handle is pear-shaped, making it comfortable to hold. It is suitable for all opening techniques, except for the side method.
A very versatile oyster knife, this can be used to shuck all types of oysters, even Pacific and Atlantic large oysters.
Large Frenchman
A little longer than a New haven, this sports a 2 1/2-inch blade that is sharp on both edges. It also has a very pointed tip.
Kumamoto, European, Olympia, and small Atlantic or Pacific oysters are best for this oyster knife.
Small Frenchman
You can probably guess what this is, just by its name. It has the same features as a large Frenchman, but with a 2-inch blade instead.
This is best for European and other small oysters.
The Perfect Handle
Material
It’s preferable to choose a non-slip or slip-resistant handle to remove the necessity for drying your hands when going from one shell to another. Additionally, this makes it safer to use and reduces the risk of accidents.
Often, rubber or plastic handles offer slip-resistant gripping. A wooden handle gives you the same feature, although moisture can damage the handle over time, and it may also begin to smell when not correctly cared for.
Shape
The shape you need will depend on how much you’ll use the oyster knife. The size of your hands can also make some handles more comfortable than others.
If you rarely shuck oysters or will only do so in small amounts, comfort isn’t a primary consideration. You won’t need to spend extra money on an ergonomic handle.
However, if you plan to use your oyster knife often or are a professional oyster shucker, comfort is king. Avoid using irregularly shaped handles.
Rounded or pear-shaped ones may better fit your hand and allow your fingers and thumb to hold it comfortably.
No matter the shape, the handle should let you hold the oyster knife comfortably while applying pressure, even if you wear mesh gloves.
You may prefer one with hand guards, but note that this adds extra weight to the knife.
An alternative to the standard guard in modern oyster knives is a bulge in the handle where it joins with the blade. This bulge offers additional protection for you.
How Do I Shuck Oysters?
If you’re new to oyster shucking knives, you need to learn the particular way to use them. It takes patience and practice, but over time you can be the best. Here are the most basic instructions to help you shuck oysters.
What You’ll Need
- Bristle cleaning brush for cleaning the oysters
- Tray of ice to place the oysters in
- Mesh protective oyster gloves
- Oyster knife
- Cold, raw, live oysters or steamed oysters for shucking
Safety Tips
- Use mesh protective oyster gloves on the hand you’ll be using to shuck the oyster. The gloves ensure you don’t accidentally slice your hand open.
- Place a damp towel on the area where you will be shucking to prevent unwanted slipping.
- Only shuck very cold, live, raw oysters or steamed oysters. Do not use frozen ones.
- Do not consume dead raw oysters. If you notice the shell is slightly open, you can lightly tap on it with the flat edge of your oyster knife. If the shell makes any movement, it’s still alive. If not, throw it away.
- Eat your oyster as soon as possible after you open it.
- Some knives come with the manufacturer’s instructions, so make sure to read that and follow any particular directions.
How to Shuck Oysters
- Clean the oyster to remove the grit. [Reference] – Using your brush, clean the outside shell very well, then rinse it under cold running water.
- Hold the oyster with the top shell facing up and the pointy part facing you. – This sharp part is the hinge that holds the top and bottom shell together.
- Very carefully, work the ouster knife directly next to and in toward the hinge using a rocking motion. – Do this until you feel some resistance. This means the knife is now in the hinge.
- Twist the knife until you hear a “pop.” – This means you’ve released the hinge!
- Hold the knife so that the blade is horizontal and flat.
- Carefully slide the oyster knife all around the shell’s edges to separate the top and bottom halves.
- Carefully separate the adductor muscle [Reference] when you see it.
- Lift the top shell, being careful NOT to spill the juice.
- Put the bottom shell with the oyster meat onto the tray of ice that you prepared.
- Enjoy!
Top Picks To Wrap Up
Dexter Russell New Haven Style Oyster Knife: Best Overall Pick
The Dexter Russell didn’t get a 4.8-star review on Amazon for nothing. Professionals from all over the world sing praises about this knife. Verified buyers’ reviews have stated that this is the “industry standard.”
One even stated that he has been using this New Haven oyster knife for 30 years, and it’s still of excellent quality.
When engaging in a dangerous activity like shucking oysters, we know you’d want to avoid even the smallest possibility that you might impale or slice your hand. You also want the best oyster knife that can get you quickly from shucking to eating.
The Dexter Russell is the best oyster knife on this list, hands down. If you love your oysters or need a knife for professional use, you can’t get any better than this. Get it at the best price on Amazon.
HiCoup Kitchenware Full Tang Blade Oyster Shucking Knife: Best Value Pick
Rivaling the Dexter Russell in quality, the HiCoup oyster shucking knife has a full tang and high carbon steel blade.
It’s also ergonomically designed for comfortable use. The wood handle design also offers an excellent hold while protecting you with an oversized hand guard.
You can bring this everywhere with you because it is compact, lightweight, and safe to carry around with the free custom leather sheath.
Whatever happens, HiCoup offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can rest easy knowing you’ll get your money’s worth.
Reviews rave about this oyster shucking knife and attest to its durability and strength at the best price on Amazon.
OXO Good Grips No-Slip Handle Oyster Knife: Best Budget Pick
The OXO Good Grips is the most economical out of this list of oyster knives. When compared to blades of the same price range, this is the best.
The silicone handle ensures you have a firm grip on the knife so that it won’t slip. The handle retains this good grip even when wet.
It follows the standard size and shape of other oyster shell knives. It’s also easy to clean because it’s dishwasher safe! Its budget price on Amazon will surely convince you to give this a shot.
Read More >>> How to Avoid Rust Formation on Kitchen Knives (and Oyster Shuckers!)
Conclusion
Through this review, it revealed there are numerous types of oyster knives for every shucking experience.
Ultimately, the best oyster knife for you will depend on your technique, hand size, intended use, and subjective preferences.
No matter the need, we’re sure you can find the oyster knife for you in this list of best oyster knives.