Collections Menu
OYSTER KNIFE
OYSTER KNIFE

OYSTER KNIFE

CulturePrince Edward Island
Dimensions.a: 2 x 5 x 12 cm (13/16 x 1 15/16 x 4 3/4 in.)
Object numberHF.2024.27.2a-d
DescriptionAn oyster knife (.a), package (.b), and associated information (.c-d). The knife has a “wheel” like circular handle, flat on both sides with “BANJO PEI” stamped on both sides. A knife blade projects from the top side of the handle and has flat sides which begin to taper at the bottom third towards a sharp point. The interior of the handle features threading. The package is a paper envelope with convex ends which fold inward to create flat sides. At the front center is a red rectangular shape unevenly stamped across the surface with “banjo oyster knife / banjoshuckingtools.ca” at the top and bottom. On the reverse is stamped five paragraphs of information including steps 1-3 on how to shuck an oyster, care instructions, and the maker’s information. Within the box are two small booklets: .c is “use and care manual” and .d: is “a guide for serving oysters by banjo banjoshuckingtools.ca pei canada”.
Narrative
Jason Woodside began shucking oysters in 1998 and immediately had great appreciation for the surrounding culture. As a two-time Canadian Shucking champion, and over 25 years of experience, Woodside began designing his own oyster knife in 2010 after many years of customizing his own knives. 

Through trial and error, Woodside finally settled on the design of the Banjo Oyster Knife, with its flat, circular, hardwood handle, and off-center blade which is short yet pointed.  The knife was designed to give users the best grip, control and torque for the “hinge/table” method of shucking oysters, and allows ease of use for beginner shuckers.