Shucking fresh oysters

First, insert the tip of a short, strong-bladed knife (or an oyster knife if you have one) at a 45-degree angle at the hinge of the shell. Once the knife blade is inside the shell, twist the knife like turning the key in a lock, then sweep the blade under the top shell to loosen the oyster. Remove the top shell and then gently run the blade under the oyster to loosen it from the bottom shell so that it slips out easily. If serving fresh, keep the oyster on the bottom shell for serving.