Best Oyster Knives

The 13 Best Oyster Knives for Easy Shucking

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If you are looking for a way to open oysters without damaging its shell or cutting your hands, you might want to consider purchasing an oyster knife. It is a super convenient way to open oysters without putting in much effort. Some oyster knives come in a single piece while others come in a set. 

The best oyster knives will allow you to shuck a great number of oysters in a very short period of time. You are unlikely to feel any discomfort when you are using the best oyster knives. Most come with hand-guards and convenient features that ease your oyster-shucking experience. If you shuck oysters quite regularly, this tool might make your life easier.

Best Pick

OXO 35681 Good Grips Oyster Knife

The dishwasher safe OXO Good Grips oyster knife with its 3" blade and non-slip handle is our best pick oyster knife.

Budget Pick

HiCoup Oyster Shucking Knife

The highly functional, easy to use HiCoup Oyster Shucking Knife with its 2.5” blade and convenient accessories is our budget pick oyster knife.

Quick Comparison: Top 13 Best Oyster Knives


Product NameWeight
(ounces)
Item Dimensions
(inches)
Grade
OXO 35681 Good Grips Oyster Knife1.586.75 x 1.38 x 1A
HiCoup Oyster Shucking Knife0.326.5 x 2.5 x 0.6A
Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set5.909.21 x 6.22 x 0.51A
Dexter Russell New Haven Oyster Knife2.729.5 x 2 x 0.55A
Victorinox Oyster Knife2.406.75 x 1.5 x 0.75A
SPEENSUN Oyster Shucking Knife7.807.91 x 4.45 x 1.46 B
Rockland Guard Oyster Knife Shucker16.169.02 x 5 x 0.98A
AmHoo Oyster shucking Knife Set6.406.38 x 4.76 x 1.61B
Swissmar Shucker Paddy Universal Oyster Knife0.3528 x 2.5 x 1A
TANG SONG Oyster Knife Set14.907.09 x 5.31 x 1.77B
Oyster Shucker Knife by Update International14.808.5 x 4.3 x 1.4B
R. Murphy/Ramelson Duxbury Oyster Knife2.397.72 x 3.94 x 0.91A
MOMONI Premium Oyster Knife Set8.008.11 x 3.58 x 1.1 B

1. OXO 35681 Good Grips Oyster Knife 

Highlighted Features

  • An oyster knife with a non-slip handle
  • This has a 3" stainless steel blade with a bent tip to aid shucking
  • The black handle is soft and ergonomically designed
  • Suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher

With an ergonomic and soft non slip black plastic handle, the OXO Good Grips oyster knife is also dishwasher safe. This knife has a sturdy stainless steel 3" blade with a bent tip to aid prying shells open.

Some owners consider that the blade of this knife is too thick, and it may not work as well with tougher oysters. It can also be prone to bending on tougher oysters and although the handle is designed to be non-slip, it can still get slippery when wet.

Pros

  • 3" blade with bent tip
  • Stainless steel
  • Non slip handle
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Some users have commented that the blade on this is too thick
  • May not work as well with tougher oysters
  • The non-slip handle can still get slippery when wet

2. HiCoup Oyster Shucking Knife 

Highlighted Features

  • The handle has a hand-guard.
  • A high carbon stainless steel blade
  • It is super lightweight. It weighs only 0.32 ounces.
  • It has a 2.5-inch blade has a straight and pointy tip

The HiCoup Oyster Shucking Knife is a full-tang high carbon steel blade which means that it is super durable. This mirror-like oyster knife has the perfect shape and the right amount of thickness that allows you to shuck oysters of any size like a professional. 

This knife has a beautiful, sturdy handle of Pakkawood. However, many users think that the handle is too thin. You might not be able to wrap your fingers around the oyster knife comfortably.

Pros

  • The oyster knife comes with a premium leather sheath which means that you can carry it with ease.
  • Cut-resistant gloves
  • Slip-resistant handle
  • Compact size makes for easy storage

Cons

  • The handle is too small.
  • Dull edge

3. Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set 

Highlighted Features

  • The oyster knife has a 420-stainless steel construction
  • The blade is reinforced with thick high-carbon stainless steel
  • The pair of gloves come in five different sizes
  • The pair of gloves can be washed in the machine

The Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set comes in a complete package. You will receive two high-quality cut-resistant gloves and a high carbon stainless steel oyster knife. Both items are dishwasher-safe, making them super easy to clean. 

Although the gloves are oversized, they are quite lightweight. It does not offer full protection against cuts. You still need to be extra careful while shucking oysters.

Pros

  • 3.5” blade
  • Bent tip
  • Comfortable gloves
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • The blade is quite wide
  • Gloves are not water-proof

4. Dexter Russell New Haven Oyster Knife 

Highlighted Features

  • A high carbon, high alloy DEXSTEEL New Haven oyster knife
  • Manufactured in the US, this has a 2¾" blade with a bent tip
  • The white ergonomic handle is Sani-Safe
  • NSF certified for use in commercial kitchens
  • Needs cleaning by hand rather than in the dishwasher

Made with high carbon, high alloy and stain free DEXSTEEL, the Dexter Russell New Haven oyster knife is made in the US. This is an NSF certified oyster knife with a white ergonomic Sani-Safe handle which means it can be used in commercial kitchens, however, it should be hand washed rather than put through the dishwasher.

This knife has a 2¾" blade with a bent tip to assist with opening, however this tip is prone to bending further during use and some users have found the blade is too thick for some oysters.

Pros

  • 2¾" blade
  • High carbon and stain free DEXSTEEL
  • Made in the US
  • New Haven
  • NSF certified
  • Sani-Safe handle

Cons

  • Although NSF certified this cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher
  • The blade may be too thick for some oysters
  • The bent tip is prone to bending further

5. Victorinox Oyster Knife

Highlighted Features

  • Swiss-made New Haven oyster knife
  • Has a 2¾" high carbon steel blade
  • The large red SuperGrip handle is designed to be non-slip even when wet
  • Dishwasher safe and NSF approved for use in commercial kitchens

The Victorinox New Haven oyster knife has a large red SuperGrip handle designed to remain slip resistant even when wet. With a 2¾" high carbon steel blade, this Swiss-made oyster knife is also NSF approved for using in commercial kitchens and is dishwasher safe.

The odd owner has experienced damage in the form of chipping or bending to the tip of this knife when using and as a smaller knife it will not be as suitable for shucking larger oysters with.

Pros

  • 2¾" blade
  • New Haven
  • Slip resistant handle
  • NSF approved
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Risk of the knife tip bending or chipping during use
  • Shorter blade length is not as useful for larger oysters

6. SPEENSUN Oyster Shucking Knife

Highlighted Features

  • The oyster knife has a stainless steel 2Cr13 blade
  • It comes with a pair of five-level, cut-resistant nylon blended gloves
  • The handle is made of rosewood

The SPEENSUN Oyster Shucking Knife is a multi-functional tool that can be used for slicing cheese, cutting bread, or while cooking. You can also use the oyster knife for repairing items or while working on something. You can also use it to do woodwork. The blade is thicker than a coin and it is super durable as well. It won’t break or bend easily. 

The high-quality construction of the oyster knife protects it from rust and corrosion. The knife will not start to oxidize when exposed to high temperatures. This oyster knife can be used to open shellfish of any size, starting from mussels and clams to even scallops. 

The gloves are not thick enough. You might want to use a towel or another pair of thick, cut-resistant gloves while shucking oysters.

Pros

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Non-slip handle

Cons

  • The blade measures only 2.6”
  • Weak pair of gloves
  • Weighs 7.80 ounces

7. Rockland Guard Oyster Knife Shucker

Highlighted Features

  • The handle has a rubberized grip
  • You will receive four items in total
  • The knives can be washed in the dishwasher

The Rockland Guard Oyster Knife Shucker comes in a set of four, well-packaged, high-quality knives that allow you to shuck an oyster like a pro. The handle feels comfortable in your hand and the shape of the 3.5” stainless steel blade enables you to shuck oysters without much hassle. The bent tip aids in opening the tougher oyster shells. Plus, these knives are dishwasher-safe which saves time and effort. 

However, many users have complained that the cutting edge of the blade tends to lose its sharpness over time. You might need to resharpen the knives for best results.

Pros

  • Slip-resistant and waterproof handle
  • Extremely durable
  • Upturned tip
  • Good for everyday use

Cons

  • The knife weighs 1.01 pounds which may cause discomfort.
  • The knives might be a little weak.

8. AmHoo Oyster shucking Knife Set

Highlighted Features

  • Supergrip ABS slip-resistant textured handle
  • Comes with a pair of level five cut-resistant gloves
  • Comes with a strong handguard
  • Gloves come in four different sizes
  • Comes with 100% customer satisfaction from the manufacturer

The AmHoo Oyster shucking Knife Set can be used to open oysters, shellfish, scallops, snails, or other seafood items. The set includes a pair of high-quality, cut-resistant gloves and two durable and efficient oyster knives that you can use for a wide range of activities. The blade is lightweight and it has an ergonomic handle that makes it super easy to use. You can wash the pair of gloves in a dishwasher or in a washing machine. 

However, many users have complained that the knives are not very sturdy. They tend to break apart after a few uses. The quality of the knives feels cheap. You might not be able to use the knives for a long period of time.

Pros

  • Pointy tip
  • Lightweight
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Multifunctional

Cons

  • The pair of gloves are not puncture-resistant
  • The pair of gloves become slippery when wet

9. Swissmar Shucker Paddy Universal Oyster Knife 

Highlighted Features

  • Universal shucker with finger guard which is suitable for all types of oysters
  • Has an ergo-dynamic pistol grip handle made from black polycarbonate
  • The angled handle is designed for better power transfer
  • Its 3" blade is made from HRC 55-58 stainless steel
  • Can be cleaned in the dishwasher

The Swissmar Shucker Paddy is a universal oyster knife with an ergo-dynamic dual axis pistol grip polycarbonate handle. The 135 degree angle of this black handle keeps the forearm in alignment with the blade for better power transfer. This also has a finger guard and is ambidextrous. This shucker has a 3" HRC 55-58 stainless steel blade with a tapered tip and is suitable for all types of oysters. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

This may not be as durable as more traditional types of oyster knives and the odd buyer has experienced the blade snapping in two. As a different shaped knife, this may not be comfortable for all users; especially if you have larger hands.

Pros

  • 3" blade
  • Universal shucker
  • Stainless steel
  • Angled pistol grip handle
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Its pistol grip handle may not be liked by all users, especially those with larger hands
  • Its durability may be limited compared to traditional oyster knives
  • There is a small risk of the blade snapping during use

10. TANG SONG Oyster Knife Set 

Highlighted Features

  • Set of eight oyster knives
  • Stainless steel blade length is just under 3"
  • These have smooth and large wooden handles

With stainless steel blades, the TANG SONG oyster knife set comes as a set of eight which makes it great for Oyster Roasts. These oyster knives have blades just under 3" long with large and smooth wooden handles. These knives can be prone to rusting and as they are only part tang blades, there can be a risk of the blade breaking away from the handle with a tough oyster.

Pros

  • 3" blade
  • Eight set
  • Stainless steel
  • Wooden handles

Cons

  • As part tang blades there is a greater risk of these breaking
  • These oyster knives are more prone to rusting

11. Oyster Shucker Knife by Update International 

Highlighted Features

  • A set of six lightweight shucking knives
  • Measuring a total length of 7"; these knives have stainless steel 3" blades
  • The handles are firm grip plastic
  • These also contain hand guards

Measuring a total length of 7" with a blade length of 3", the set of six shucking knives with hand guards is ideal for Oyster Roasts. These lightweight shucking knives have a metal hand guard and stainless steel blades with black handles made from firm-grip plastic.

As a budget set, these are not full tang blades, and some users consider that the edge of the blade is on the thicker side, which can make it more difficult to use for oyster shucking.

Pros

  • 3" blade
  • Stainless steel
  • Set of six
  • Lightweight
  • Hand guard

Cons

  • The blade can be too thick for some oysters
  • Part tang, rather than full tang blades

12. R. Murphy/Ramelson Duxbury Oyster Knife 

Highlighted Features

  • An oyster knife which was designed in collaboration with Massachusetts oystermen and manufactured in the US
  • Commercial grade 2⅛" high carbon stainless steel blade with a pointed and tough tip
  • Ergonomic ‘Murphy green’ polypropylene handle
  • This knife should be hand washed only

Made in the US, the R. Murphy/Ramelson Duxbury oyster knife was designed in collaboration with Massachusetts oystermen. This oyster knife has a commercial grade 2⅛" high carbon stainless steel blade with a tough and pointed tip and the ‘Murphy green’ ergonomic handle is made from polypropylene. This knife should be hand washed only. This is not as suitable as other types of knives for opening larger oysters with, and if you do try to open larger ones, there is a risk that the tip will break.

Pros

  • 2⅛" blade
  • High carbon stainless steel
  • Pointed tip
  • Ergonomic handle
  • US-made

Cons

  • The size limits its use with larger oysters
  • Small risk of the blade tip breaking, especially with large oysters
  • Can only be hand washed

13. MOMONI Premium Oyster Knife Set

Highlighted Features

  • Set of two oyster knives which come in a presentation gift box with a performance guarantee
  • Full tang stainless steel blades
  • Wood design handles which are riveted
  • Suitable for shucking different sizes of oysters

The MOMONI set of two premium oyster knives have full tang stainless steel blades and a non-slip and riveted wood design handles. Suitable for shucking different sized oysters, this knife set comes in a presentation gift box with a performance guarantee.

These knives can be prone to breaking at the tip of the blade and some consider that they may better suit clam shucking rather than oysters as the blade is thinner and more likely to bend when levering tougher oysters.

Pros

  • Twin set
  • Stainless steel
  • Full tang
  • Non-slip handles
  • Gift boxed

Cons

  • Tip of the blade is prone to breaking
  • Has a thinner blade which will bend with tougher oysters
  • Some owners consider these knives may be better for clam rather than oyster shucking

Things to Consider Before Buying an Oyster Knife

An oyster knife will usually have a straight and symmetrical blade between two and a half and four inches long. The tip of an oyster knife is usually sharp, but the edges of the blade rarely so as an oyster knife only needs to be able to cut though the adductor muscle of the oyster; the rest of the knife’s work relies on twisting and levering. If you use any other type of blade or indeed tool for opening an oyster, not only do you run the risk of shattering the oyster, but there is also much more risk of seriously injuring yourself in the process.

As a rule of thumb, the bigger the oyster, the bigger the knife, but if the blade is too big, it will bend and potentially snap during use. The blade of an oyster knife should be a stainless steel such as 420hc or 440c as these are some of the more corrosion resistant stainless steels available. This means that the blade is less likely to corrode over time through its exposure to the natural sodium which oysters are rich in.

Some oyster knives are made with high carbon steel. The main advantage of high carbon steel is that it is harder than stainless steel, but, as high carbon steel is more prone to rusting and corrosion the blade will need more attention paying to it after use.

Here are some of the main types of oyster knife available as well as which oysters they best suit:

Type

Description

Best Used For….

New Haven

2¾" straight blade with a round upturned tip and is well suited to the classic hinge method of opening

Small to medium Pacific and Atlantic oysters especially when presenting half shell. This will also shuck Kumamoto and Olympia but may be more difficult to insert into the hinge

Galveston

Typically, this has a 4" blade which is broad and strong and often has moderately sharp edges. Often used commercially, especially for larger oysters

Large Atlantic oysters and medium/large European oysters

Boston

A popular oyster knife with a long narrow blade usually 3" to 4" and a pear shaped handle which makes it comfortable to hold. Can use all techniques except side

All types and sizes of oysters including larger Pacific and Atlantic oysters

Large Frenchman

Slightly longer 2½" blade which is sharp on both edges and it has a very pointed tip

European, Kumamoto, Olympia, small Pacific and small Atlantic oysters

Small Frenchman

Similar to a large Frenchman, this has a shorter 2" blade better suited to side opening

European and other small oysters

Oyster Knife Handle Considerations

A handle that is non-slip means you will not need to keep stopping to dry your hands off while shucking and will also help reduce the risk of injury. Rubber grip or plastic handles offer non-slip gripping, as will wood, although a wooden handle can get damaged over time with moisture exposure and can also begin to smell.

If you are only going to shuck half a dozen oysters or so at a time then the comfort of the handle will not be as much of an issue, but, if you intend on using it for any length of time then avoid irregular shaped handles, instead look for a rounded or pear shaped handle which will fit into your hand and allow your fingers and thumb to curl around it.

The handle of any oyster knife should allow you to keep it gripped comfortably while applying pressure on it and wearing mesh gloves if you choose to.

Some people prefer to use an oyster knife with a hand guard, but the guard can add extra weight to the knife. Many modern designs of knife have actually reduced the need for a guard by including a bulge in the handle where it meets the blade. This bulge is able to offer some additional protection to the hands.

The Oyster

As a bivalve mollusk, the oyster is a primitive invertebrate with a mantle which lines the inside of the shells. The oyster has a hinge between its two shells and a strong adductor muscle which anchors the oyster to the dot seen in the middle of the inner shell. The top shell of an oyster is flatter while the bottom shell is more rounded.

There are around 150 varieties of oysters in the world, but these belong to just five species, Atlantic, Pacific, Olympia, Kumamoto and European Flat. There are subtle taste differences across not only the species, but also the varieties, as a result of the waters and the habitat in which the oysters were raised.

The Atlantic (Crassostrea virginica) oyster was at one time the main oyster harvested in the US and was common along the US east coast. Due to overharvesting and disease, there is now only around 1% of the historical population left although attempts are being made to repopulate. These oysters are sweeter tasting but are more difficult to shuck.

The Pacific (Crassostrea gigas) oyster was introduced to the world for commercial farming by Japan. A fast and large growing oyster, this sits at about the middle of the shucking ease scale and has a good taste and texture. The Pacific oyster is now one of the most common in the world and found in most restaurants and cans.

The Olympia (Strea luridia/Ostrea conchaphila) oysters are small oysters that were indigenous on the US west coast and are now farmed small scale in the Pacific northwest. These are creamy in texture and stronger flavored.

The Kumamoto (Crassostrea sikamea) oyster is deep-cupped with a sweet and mild flavor. Originating in Japan, these were shipped to the US after the Second World War and are cultivated along the east coast. Sometimes called the ‘Chardonnay of Oysters’ the Kumamoto is just slightly larger than the Olympia.

The European Flat (Ostrea edulis) oyster was introduced to the eastern US and northern Pacific coasts for commercial oyster farming. This small oyster has a sweet taste and is easier to shuck than an Atlantic oyster.

Although wild oysters are still available, most are farmed from man-made oyster beds and reefs because the declining population of wild oysters.

There is no difference in taste or appearance between wild and farmed oysters of the same species, it is just that farming oysters reduces the significant impact of dredging on the natural habitats where wild oysters are raised.

Shucking 101

If you are new to oyster shucking, there are different ways to shuck, whether from the side or through the hinge. With that in mind, we offer a basic 101 for preparing live oysters.

Before you start, it is worth knowing that the bigger the oyster is, the harder it will be to cut through the hinge and adductor muscle, so you may choose to ‘start small’.

Your oysters should always be alive and ice-cold - most closed oysters are alive. If an oyster is open, lightly tap the shell. If it is alive, it will shut immediately. If not, then trash it. When you hold a live oyster in your hand, it should feel full. If it does not feel full, then tap it against another oyster. If there is a hollow noise, then the oyster is dead and should be trashed. A live oyster will give a solid sound.

Fresh oysters should smell briny and sweet while those which are dead have more of a fishy smell. If an oyster does not smell right, then also trash.

Although alive when you start, the oysters will start dying within a couple of minutes of being shucked so if not serving immediately, they should be kept on ice and consumed or cooked within the following hour.

Many people wear mesh gloves for shucking as not only do oyster knives have a sharp point, but some shells can be very sharp. Instead of wearing mesh gloves, you may want to place the oyster in a folded towel ‘hot dog style’ on a hard surface to help protect your hand from injury.

Pick up the first oyster and rinse the shell under running fresh cold water and brush it to remove any grit which may otherwise enter the oyster when you open it.

Hold the oyster with the pointed (hinged) end facing you and the top shell upwards. Keep the oyster in this position as if you tilt it or flip it, the juices will run out.

Carefully work the oyster knife with a side-to-side movement into the hinge or next to it and once the knife is in, twist your hand and knife to separate the joint. A ‘pop’ means the hinge is now broken and you can slide the knife, firmly but gently, all the way around the edge of the shell until both halves become free.

Avoid chipping the shell as stray pieces will end up inside the oyster and also keep the shell still so that the oyster juices do not escape.

You can then slide the knife along the inner surface of the top shell and cut the adductor muscle where it attaches to the shell.

Carefully separate the two halves of shell without tipping out the juices and use the knife to slide under the adductor to fully release the oyster.

Place the oyster on ice while you continue to shuck the rest, repeating steps 1 to 4.

Oyster Safety

Around 100 people a year die of vibriosis in the US and another 80,000 people are infected with it. Unfortunately, oysters infected with Vibrio species of bacteria do not smell, look or taste any different to those which are Vibrio free. Thoroughly cooking oysters and other seafood such as clams and mussels is the only way to kill Vibrio bacteria.

Most people who develop vibriosis will suffer from mild food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, but one type of vibriosis, caused by V. vulnificus is more serious as it can cause infections of the blood stream and even limb amputations. There is a death rate of one in five for those who develop this type of vibriosis.

Some people, such as those with cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia or hemochromatosis, as well as those who have had recent stomach surgery or are taking medicines to lower stomach acid levels are also more at risk of developing vibriosis or developing serious complications from being infected by vibriosis.

Although vibriosis is often caught through eating raw oysters, it can also be caused by getting raw seafood juices and brackish or salt water in open wounds. To reduce the risk of getting an infection from oysters, as well as eating them fully cooked, before you shuck oysters, you should cover any cuts or wounds on your hands or arms which may come into contact with the oysters, their juice or water.

After shucking, you should thoroughly wash your hands with plenty of soap and hot water and pay special attention to any new cuts which may have come into contact with the oyster, its juices or its water.

Raw oysters should always be kept away from cooked seafoods to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

FAQ

Can I resharpen my oyster knife?

Since most oyster knives are made of stainless steel, you can resharpen them using a whetstone, or with a patio tile. 

Is it necessary to wear gloves while shucking oysters?

Wearing gloves while shucking oysters will protect you from cuts and injuries. If you do not have gloves, you can use a thick towel instead. 

How to tell if oysters have gone bad?

Oysters that have gone bad give off a dull color like black, grey, brown, or even pink. They smell bad, too. Good oysters do not have a strong odor.

Conclusion

We have seen in this review how the design of an oyster knife makes it easier to shuck while reducing the risk of injury, as well as some of the key features you should look for when selecting your oyster knife. Along with a basic shucking tutorial, we have also considered what you can do to reduce the risk of vibriosis while shucking.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this review, whether you shuck oysters regularly, occasionally or are new to it all and, whichever way you choose to shuck and whatever the type of oyster; we trust our reviews of the best oyster knives have helped you to select the knife which will be best for you and for your oysters.
5/5 - (12 votes)

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1 thought on “The 13 Best Oyster Knives for Easy Shucking”

  1. You need to make a distinction between hinge (bill) shucking and lip (side) shucking. These are very different methods and require very different tools. Side shucking requires a thin sharp tip to easily penetrate the lip without breaking the shell. These knives will bend or break it you try and use them for hinge shucking. Conversely, the hinge shucking knives are sturdier and often have a curved tip to get into the hinge. They are not very good for side shucking as they are too thick and dull. I think side shucking is under rated – mostly because people use the wrong tool. It is more popular in Europe and Asia. With the right knife it is fast and safe.

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Riley Anderson

Riley runs a small foodservice business that supplies restaurants with new commercial equipment, tab...

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