R. Murphy New Haven 2.625-inch Oyster Shucker, ECOgrip Handle

Raw bars, seafood counters and oyster farms need a shucker that can be scrubbed and sanitized all shift, and the R. Murphy New Haven oyster shucker is built for that work. It carries the classic New Haven blade, 2.625 inches long with an upturned tip, on an ECOgrip handle molded from recycled polypropylene in R. Murphy’s green.

The curved tip is the reason the New Haven pattern has lasted. It catches the hinge, levers the shell open with a twist, and then follows the inside of the top shell to sever the muscle. Because the point bends up and away from the meat, beginners can learn the motion without gouging the oyster, and experienced shuckers can work quickly. The tip also curls away from the hand holding the oyster, which makes it a safer design for anyone concerned about poking a hand with the point.

The plastic handle is the main difference from the wood-handled New Haven. It holds up to hot water and sanitizer, and a wet hand keeps its grip on it. Wood suits shucking at home; for a kitchen or a farm, we suggest this one. For small, deep-cupped oysters with tight hinges, the Olympia shucker has a blade ground for that job, and the Duxbury has a shorter, stronger tip. Our knife shapes guide covers oyster knives along with the rest of the kitchen.