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Best Oyster Knife Reviews

Last updated on Jan 22, 2025

Oyster knives are an essential tool for any seafood restaurant. Not only do they simplify the process of opening, shelling, and shucking oysters, but they also prevent accidental cuts and injuries in the kitchen. With the wide variety of oyster knives available on the market, choosing the best one for your business can be challenging. Consider factors such as the types of foods on your menu and the need for a durable and dependable tool that can withstand high-volume use. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have carefully curated a selection of the best oyster knives based on various criteria.


Shop All Oyster Knives

Check Out Our Top Choices for the Best Oyster Knives

  1. Best Oyster Knife Overall: Dexter Russell 10483

  2. Best Plastic Handle Oyster Knife: Victorinox 7.6399.6

  3. Best Boston Edge Oyster Knife: Dexter Russell 10493

  4. Best Straight Edge Oyster Knife: Victorinox 7.6399.8

  5. Best Budget Oyster Knife: Schraf 220VOYS3


Note: All prices are current to time of publication. See product page for updated pricing.

Best Oyster Knife Overall

Dexter Sani-Safe 2 3/4

The Dexter Russell 10483 features a wide, rounded blade that makes it exceptionally versatile and effective at opening many types of oysters. Its superior strength and function ensure that it can handle the demands of a busy kitchen with ease. The blade is crafted from high-carbon DEXSTEEL stainless steel, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, while the handle is made of durable polypropylene, which provides a comfortable and non-slip grip, allowing for precise and controlled movements. This ergonomic handle design reduces hand fatigue, making the knife ideal for long hours of use in a commercial kitchen setting.

Price: $14.49

Shop Dexter Russell 10483 | $14.49

View our customer reviews for the Dexter Russell 10483.

Pros
  • DEXSTEEL stain-free, high-carbon steel blade is precision ground for durability
  • Features a short, wide, straight blade
  • Impenetrable blade-to-handle seal prevents bacteria from being trapped
  • Each blade is individually ground and honed for added strength
Cons
  • Short blade isn't ideal for all oysters
  • Poly handle may get slippery

Best Plastic Handle Oyster Knife

Victorinox 4

The Victorinox 7.6399.6 offers superior strength and function. The straight blade and rounded tip are made from high-carbon stainless steel to increase durability and reliability. It provides unbeatable strength and leverage, making shucking oysters a breeze. The SuperGrip polypropylene handle is both soft and textured, providing a comfortable and secure grip that is essential for extended use.

Shop Victorinox 7.6399.6 | $21.00

Runner Up: Victorinox 7.6399.2

View our customer reviews for the Victorinox 7.6399.6.

Pros
  • Boston style, straight blade with rounded tip
  • Durable, high-carbon stainless steel knife will not discolor or corrode
  • Comfortable and slip-resistant polypropylene handle
  • Great size for prying open oyster shells
Cons
  • Stainless steel blade can quickly lose sharpness
  • Stainless steel blade can warp when exposed to high heat

Best Boston Edge Oyster Knife

Dexter 4

The Dexter Russell 10493 features a long, narrow 3" blade made of high-carbon DEXSTEEL stainless steel, and its design allows for versatility in opening various types of oysters with ease. The textured handle is Sani-Safe sealed to the blade, ensuring there are no hiding places for bacteria to accumulate. Furthermore, the knife can withstand temperatures of up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Shop Dexter Russell 10493 | $12.99

Runner Up: Mercer Culinary M33028A

View our customer reviews for the Dexter Russell 10493.

Pros
  • DEXSTEEL stain-free, high-carbon steel blade is precision ground for durability
  • Boston style features a long, narrow blade with flat tip and short oval handle
  • Textured, slip-resistant handle can withstand temperatures of up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Moderately sharp blade
Cons
  • Poly handle can get slippery
  • Stainless steel blade can quickly lose sharpness

Best Straight Edge Oyster Knife

Victorinox 3 1/2

The Victorinox 7.6399.8 is designed for precision and ease of use. It features a wide, 1/17" thick stainless steel blade specially shaped to pry into shells and carefully remove meat. In addition to its high-quality blade, the knife boasts a blue rubber handle designed for comfort and safety. The textured, slip-resistant design of the handle ensures a secure grip, even when the knife is covered in clam juice or other liquids. The bright blue color of the handle also makes it easy to locate in the kitchen when needed.

Shop Victorinox 7.6399.8 | $15.00

Runner Up: Choice 220KCCLAM35B

View our customer reviews for the Victorinox 7.6399.8.

Pros
  • Easily opens clams
  • Narrow blade easily inserts between clam shells
  • Comfortable, slip-resistant rubber handle for sturdy grip
  • Durable stainless steel blade
Cons
  • Stainless steel blade can quickly lose sharpness
  • Rubber handle may be difficult to clean

Best Budget Oyster Knife

Schraf 3

The Schraf 220VOYS3 is a reliable and cost-effective option for anyone needing a high-quality oyster knife that balances performance, durability, and safety. This oyster knife features a professional-grade German steel stamped blade that is durable and sharp, ensuring easy and efficient shucking of oysters. The comfortable hourglass-shaped handle provides a secure grip, allowing for precise movements. It's design accommodates various shucking techniques, making it versatile for users with different levels of familiarity.

Shop Schraf 220VOYS3 | $7.49

Runner Up: Choice 220KWOYS3GRD

Pros
  • Crafted with X50 German stainless steel for superior durability and rust resistance
  • Perfect for seafood restaurants, buffets, and culinary schools
  • Guard provides extra protection while shucking
  • Versatile, longer blade can be used on most sizes of clams and oysters
Cons
  • Heavier feel than other knives
  • Blade can be prone to corrosion

How to Choose Oyster Knives

While oyster knives may seem like simple tools, many intricacies can make it difficult to choose which knife best fits your needs. As you choose oyster knives for your establishment, pay attention to the style of the blade, the material the blade is made from, and the material of the handle.

Blade Style

Consider the blade style that best suits your shucking preferences and the types of oysters you serve to ensure optimal performance and results. Each blade style offers unique advantages that cater to different shucking techniques and oyster sizes.

  • Straight blade: A standard straight blade works well for most oyster shucking tasks. It is straightforward, making it popular among beginners and experienced shuckers.
  • New Haven blade: The New Haven blade features a shorter and wider design with a curved blade tip well-suited for shucking oysters on the half shell.
  • Providence blade: The Providence blade, characterized by its short, wide blade with a pointed tip, is ideal for opening oysters from the side, offering a precise and controlled approach to shucking.
  • Boston blade: The Boston blade boasts a long, narrow design with a round tip. This style provides a long reach and enhanced leverage.
  • Galveston blade: Similar to the Boston knife but with a wide blade, the Galveston blade is an excellent choice for handling larger oysters. The wider blade provides increased stability and control.
  • Frenchman blade: The Frenchman blade features a short blade with a handguard, making it an ideal option for European oysters. The handguard adds an extra layer of safety and control.

Blade Material

When choosing an oyster knife, one important factor to consider is the blade material. The blade material plays a crucial role in determining the knife's performance, durability, and maintenance requirements.

  • German steel: German steel is a popular choice for oyster knives due to its ability to achieve a very sharp edge. This type of steel is known for its excellent edge retention, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
  • Stainless steel: This material is highly regarded for its strength and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty use in commercial kitchens. They are less prone to chipping or breaking, ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • High-carbon stainless steel: For those looking for a versatile and corrosion-resistant option, stainless steel is a reliable choice. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical option for busy foodservice environments.

Handle Material

Consider the handle material that best suits your needs and preferences when selecting an oyster knife for your commercial kitchen. Whether you prioritize affordability, flexibility, heat resistance, or grip strength, the handle material plays a crucial role in the performance of your oyster knife.

  • Plastic: Plastic handles are popular for oyster knives due to their affordability. They are easy to clean and maintain and moisture-resistant, ensuring a long lifespan.
  • Polypropylene: This material is heat-resistant and flexible, providing a comfortable grip and reducing hand fatigue during extended shucking sessions.
  • Rubber: Rubber handles are known for their strong grip, which is essential when working with slippery oyster shells. The textured surface of rubber handles ensures a secure hold, allowing for precise and efficient shucking.

Back to Top

Oyster knives come in many shapes, styles, and sizes. To choose the right knife for your business, you must educate yourself on the best options on the market and analyze your own needs. By offering the right variety of oyster knives, you can set your establishment above the competition.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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