Re: opening oysters with stone tools?

From: Rich Travsky (_at_hotmMOVEail.com)
Date: 02/20/05 

Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 14:14:58 -0700

Rick Wagler wrote:
>
> "Marc Verhaegen" <fa204466@skynet.be> wrote in message
> news:4217c33c$0$17087$ba620e4c@news.skynet.be...
> > Has anybody ever tried to open oysters & other sehllfish with stone tools?
> > What would be the best stone tool for removing oysters from the bottom or
> > the trees & for opening them? material? Any ideas?
> >
> > Marc Verhaegen
> >
> > http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~mvaneech/Verhaegen.html
> >
> > http://www.onelist.com/community/AAT
> >
> > AAT = Homo diaspora
> >
> >
> I,ve never opened an oyster in my life but
> a thin blade that can cut the hinge should
> do the trick, would it not? Or simply
> pulverize the shell with a large rock. No
> great feat of technology seems to be needed.

They make and market oyster shucking tools

 http://www.chefknivestogo.com/oyshkn.html
 Oyster shucking knife. This is an essential tool for opening fresh
 oysters. Oyster knives are especially designed so that the tip of
 the knife is pointed, with one edge sharpened. Makes opening oysters
 almost easy!

Or

http://www.cookingvillage.com/cv/kw/tiptionary_results/0,1755,sLang%3Dus&sLet%3DO&iSCat%3D394,FF.html
 ...
 Wear a heavy glove to protect your hand when opening oysters. Or hold
 the oyster in a heavy kitchen towel folded in quarters.

 Tools for opening oysters: Prying the shells apart is difficult, so use
 a strong tool like a short, squat screwdriver or the pointed end of a
 can or bottle opener.

 Firmly and forcefully insert the oyster-shucking tool between the shells,
 right into the hinge segment. Twist sharply to lever the shells, popping
 the top one off.

 Use an oyster/clam knife to slide along the inside of the top of the shell
 to release the oyster. If necessary, use a paring knife to cut the muscle
 holding the oyster.
 ...

These are steel tool oriented. Trying to duplicate this with a stone tool
would be worthless. First you'd have to make a stone tool thin enough
to attempt it and second it would have to be hard enough not to shatter
with the twisting motion. Good luck.

Which leaves us with bashing with a rock. ;)

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