How to open the oyster shell - SKILLFUL OYSTER OPENING

Clean the outside of the oyster under running water to remove in loose grit or barnacles. Rub the shell with your fingers or use a stiff brush if you have one for this purpose.

Hold the oyster in a towel or oven mitt with the hinge (pointed side) sticking out. This will protect your hand if the oyster knife slips.

With the flat side of the oyster up, insert the tip of an oyster knife near the hinge.

You only need to insert the knife about 1/2 an inch. Do not use a regular knife to open oysters. There is too great a risk of slipping and severely injuring yourself. An oyster knife is a special blunted knife made for this purpose. They're cheap, too. If you're going to buy oysters in the shell, spend a couple extra bucks for the proper knife.