Lessons on how to shuck an oyster

Getting into the hinge The oyster is placed on the table with the cup side (bottom shell) down. Ventura recommends taking a step to the right, holding down the oyster with your left hand, and inserting the knife at a 45-degree angle. The handle of the knife should be facing towards your body. When the tip of the knife is inserted into the hinge, push in and twist the knife, applying firm pressure and pushing down with the handle. It is important to gain enough leverage to crack the hinge open.
Kyna Doles and Melyssa Cantor for Boston.com
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By Kyna Doles and Melyssa Cantor, Globe Correspondents

Getting into the hinge

The oyster is placed on the table with the cup side (bottom shell) down. Ventura recommends taking a step to the right, holding down the oyster with your left hand, and inserting the knife at a 45-degree angle.

The handle of the knife should be facing towards your body. When the tip of the knife is inserted into the hinge, push in and twist the knife, applying firm pressure and pushing down with the handle.

It is important to gain enough leverage to crack the hinge open.