Oyster Knife with Hand Guard

Blade and handle do different jobs while you shuck: the short, pointed metal blade finds its way into the shell, the black plastic handle transfers the force from your hand. The guard disc in between is the detail that sets this model apart from a plain kitchen knife. If the blade slips out of the hinge, your hand meets the disc instead of the sharp-edged shell.

• Knife for opening oysters
• Short, pointed metal blade
• Black plastic handle
• Hand guard disc between handle and blade
• Handle with embossed IBILI mark
• Made in Spain

Place the oyster flat side up on a folded kitchen towel and hold it firmly with the towel hand. At the narrow end of the oyster sits the hinge that holds the two halves together.

Set the tip of the blade into that gap and work with short, controlled pressure until the hinge gives way. Then run the blade along the upper shell, release the muscle and lift the lid off. Using your wrist rather than your whole arm keeps the movement calmer and tidier, and the liquor stays in the shell.

The knife fits hosts and home cooks who prepare seafood themselves. As a gift it works at Christmas and on New Year's Eve, when oysters appear on many festive tables, and as a small something to bring along to a dinner invitation.

Work on a stable surface and never in the palm of your hand: a board and a folded cloth are the best combination. Brush the shells under cold water before opening so no grains of sand end up in the oyster.

Open the oysters shortly before serving and lay them on a platter with ice or coarse salt so they sit level and keep their liquid. As a present the knife turns into a little set once you add lemons, a recipe or a bottle of white wine.

What is this knife for? For opening oysters. The short, pointed blade is set into the hinge of the shell and worked with pressure.

What is the hand guard disc for? It sits between handle and blade and keeps your hand away from the shell if the blade slips out of the hinge.

How do I hold the oyster while opening it? With a folded kitchen towel in your free hand, flat side up, on a board or another stable surface.

What are the blade and handle made of? The blade is metal, the handle is black plastic with an embossed IBILI mark.

Does the knife work as a small gift? Yes, at Christmas, on New Year's Eve or as a token for hosts who serve seafood.