The Ultimate Guide to Oyster Knives
If you’re shucking raw oysters it’s a good idea to invest in an oyster knife. Unlike sharp kitchen knives or duller butter knives, oyster knives tend to have thicker handles and can take the pressure of prying apart live oysters. There are so many variations of oyster knives from across the world and blade and handle shape can vary a lot. In this post, we step through the many types of oyster knives and which knife might be best for you.
If you want to learn more about shucking oysters, check out our June 14th virtual shucking class with Yelp Boston.
Oyster Knife Anatomy
Blade: Oyster knife blades vary in shape and size and are unique to the style of oyster knife. Most oyster knives are made from stainless steel or carbon steel.
Handle: Oyster knife handles can be made out of a variety of materials. Most commercial knives have plastic or wooden handles but metal, stone, and even shell handles are common for at-home use.
New Haven Oyster Knife
This curved-tip knife is perfect for beginners and experienced shuckers alike. The shorter and wider blade with a pointed tip is great for easily shucking on the half shell by the hinge without spearing the oyster meat. The curved tip also means you’re less likely to stab your hand, making this a safer option.
Dexter Russell Sani-Safe 2 3/4" Oyster Knife New Haven Pattern
Providence Oyster Knife
The Providence oyster knife is great for opening oysters from the side or tricky oysters. This knife has a short, wide blade with a pointed tip and is a favorite of shucking pros.
Dexter Russell Sani-Safe 2 3/4" Oyster Knife Providence Pattern
Duxbury Oyster Knife
This knife has an even shorter and more pointed blade than the Providence oyster knife. The Duxbury knife is perfect for small oysters, speed shucking, and commercial use.
R. Murphy 2 1/8 in. Duxbury Oyster Knife
Kaki muki
Kaki muki is simply a Japanese oyster knife and comes in all shapes and sizes. Japanese oyster knives often have a wooden handle and are often great for opening Pacific and Kumamoto oysters from the side. You can find variations with cylindrical handles, rounded handles, long blades, and short blades.
Kaki muki 8.26 × 1.18 inch
Seki Knife
A Seki knife is a specific type of Japanese oyster knife with a handguard. Often these knives can also be used to shuck clams in addition to oysters.
Hitohira Seki Stainless Oyster Knife Large
Boston Oyster Knife
A Boston oyster knife has a long narrow blade with a round tip. This blade is perfect for opening tricky oysters and shucking from the side of an oyster. These oyster knives typically have a more rounded handle.
R Murphy Boston Shucker 3-1/2 inch x 7/16
Galveston Oyster Knife
The Galveston oyster knife is like a Boston knife but with a wide blade. This knife is perfect when you’re shucking larger oysters.
4 inch Sani-Safe Galveston pattern Oyster knife
New York Oyster Knife
The New York knife has a very long blade and a rounded tip. This variation is perfect for large oysters and Pacific oysters.
New York Shucker - CARBON
Deglon Oyster Lancet Knife
This oyster knife is unique in its shape and is useful for easily opening small to medium sized oysters from the side.
DUNE – OYSTER KNIFE
Frenchman Knife
This knife has a short blade and a handguard and is ideal for European oysters or any smaller oyster.
Williams Sonoma Seafood Oyster Knife