Are Lever-Style Oyster Shucking Devices Worth Buying?

Question

I posted this inquiry under Cookware last week but I fear it's the wrong category:
Does anyone have any experience with the devices sold to shuck oysters, using a lever to push a short, pointed steel rod into the hinge or between the halves of the oyster?  There seem to be 5-10 different manufacturers, all using similar designs, ranging in price from $50 to $150 on Amazon.  We've seen a much larger commercial device, with a different design, working spectacularly at a restaurant in Concale, Brittany, but we need some advice on these smaller home models.

Lynn Clark · Accepted Answer

Hi Bob - Hopefully someone else who's actually used one of these devices can give you some hands-on advice on them. We haven't had a chance to work with these at Milk Street so, unfortunately, we don't have much insight. We do, however, highly recommend a good oyster knife. You want to look for a New Haven oyster knife - that is, one with a wider blade and a convex pointed tip. 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. A Boston or Providence oyster knife, one that is narrower and has a completely flat tip, is more of a commercial-style knife and better for shucking from the side or speed shucking. You also want to look for a thicker handle made with a "grippy" material for better traction. A handle made of smooth wood is hard to hold onto when applying pressure to the oyster. Good luck! Hopefully someone else here has tried the shucking devices and can provide some more info! Best, The Milk Street Team

Are Lever-Style Oyster Shucking Devices Worth Buying?

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