The humble oyster has exploded in popularity and is now a delicacy that can be enjoyed year-round. Here on PEI, we are home to the world-famous Malpeque oyster which can be found on restaurant menus all over Canada and the world.
Instead of waiting until your next night out on the town, why not get yourself an oyster knife and enjoy freshly shucked oysters- anytime, anywhere! Read on to discover more about oyster knives and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Location, Location, Location:
Oysters come in all shapes and sizes and vary by location. Many oyster knife shapes were developed to suit the oysters in their area and are named after their place of origin. Here is an overview of some of the most popular shapes of oyster knives:
Boston- Probably the most common oyster knife shape available. With its straight-forward design and approximately 3 inch blade, it is good for shucking small to medium-sized oysters. It suitable for both beginners and experienced shuckers.
New York- Great for larger East Coast oysters as well as Pacific oysters. This style features a long blade, usually 4-5 inches in length.
New Haven- This crowd favourite has a curved tip which provides leverage to help pop open the oyster shell. The curved tip is also excellent at cutting the muscle of the oyster.
Providence- Another common shape much like the Boston but slightly wider. Great for medium-sized oysters.
Duxbury- This is a great competition shucker since its small, sharp blade allows for quick and easy shucking.
Here at The Cook's Edge, we have an extensive selection of oyster knives with an option for every budget. We carry:
Spathis Forge- For those looking for a first-class sophisticated option, we carry these beautiful oyster knives that are hand-forged in Montreal. Their thin, yet sturdy, tip will easily shuck any oyster quickly and efficiently.
Victorinox- These red-handled oyster shuckers are loved by professional chefs and are a personal favorite of ours at The Cook's Edge. With a variety of styles available, you can't go wrong with one of these guys!
R. Murphy- This popular line of oyster knives are made in the USA and come in a variety of styles. For the eco-conscious shucker, some of their knives have handles made from recycled ocean plastic.
Banjo- Locally designed and made on PEI by Jason Woodside, a well-known competitive oyster shucker. They have a unique style and a pistol grip design that allows for easy shucking.
Dexter Russell- This line of oyster shuckers has all the classic shapes you are looking for. They have reliable, super-tough blades that get the job done while being a pleasure to use.
Shucker Paddy- Featuring a unique dual axis pistol grip design, this shucker can be used for all varieties of oysters.
If you are still having trouble choosing an oyster knife, please get in touch or visit us at the shop! We love answering your questions and assisting customers in finding the right knife for their needs.
Happy Shucking!