Safety first: Wrap a thick kitchen towel or use a heavy kitchen glove to protect your hand from the sharp oyster knife.
Hold the oyster: Place the oyster flat-side up on a towel on a stable surface.
Locate the hinge: The hinge is the point where the two shells meet. It’s usually the narrowest part of the oyster.
Insert the knife: Insert the tip of the oyster knife into the hinge at a slight angle. Wiggle the knife into the hinge gently until you feel the knife’s tip slide into the hinge.
Twist the knife: Once the knife is in the hinge, twist it to pry the shells apart. BE PATIENT AND GENTLE TO AVOID DAMAGING THE OYSTER OR INJURING YOURSELF.
Open the shell: When shells begin to separate, twist knife to pop the hinge.
Detach the oyster: Run knife along top shell, scraping the muscle from the shell to release the oyster. Run the knife under the oyster to detach it from the bottom shell, being careful not to spill the delicious oyster liquor.
Inspect: Check the oyster for any shell fragments and remove.