10 Best Oyster Shucking Gloves to Shuck Oysters Safely & Quickly

One thing is for sure- shucking oysters is an art in itself; however, in order to be protected from possible injuries, you need the right equipment.

In this case, we are referring to a quality shucking knife and of course, the best oyster shucking gloves.

When you have a sharp and proper shucking knife and quality oyster gloves made from the right materials, you can safely enjoy this activity in your kitchen.

These gloves are the optimal way to protect your hands while shucking which can often be tricky, slippery, and fast.

Often times, one may pop the shell of the oyster easily; however, from time to time, there will be a more stubborn oyster.

So, you will need to apply a bit more pressure which may lead to a gash or some more severe damage. This is why we see professionals in the oyster shucking world wearing gloves.

Plus, the gloves will keep you safe from the sharp edges of the oyster, not just from the knife.

Shucking oyster with knife wearing oyster shucking gloves

Nonetheless, with the variety of shucking gloves available on the market, buyers can get really confused. This is where our review can be of aid- we compiled a list with our five favorite gloves for safe oyster shucking.

Quick Comparison of Oyster Shucking Gloves

Preview
Best Overall
Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set- High Performance Level 5...
NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection;...
Budget Pick
Dowellife Large Grey Protective Gloves with Cut Resistance, Machine...
YINENN 2 Pairs (4 Gloves) Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade Level 5...
San Jamar 1000 Rubber Oyster Shucking Glove with Cotton Lining (Pack...
Title
Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set- High Performance Level 5...
NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection;...
Dowellife Large Grey Protective Gloves with Cut Resistance, Machine...
YINENN 2 Pairs (4 Gloves) Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade Level 5...
San Jamar 1000 Rubber Oyster Shucking Glove with Cotton Lining (Pack...
Material
Stainless Steel
Polyethylene, Spandex, Fiberglass
Polyethylene, Spandex, Fiberglass
Nylon
Rubber, Latex
Brand
Rockland Guard
NoCry
Dowellife
YINENN
San Jamar
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
-
Price
$13.95
$13.49
$8.99
Price not available
$39.45
Best Overall
Preview
Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set- High Performance Level 5...
Title
Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set- High Performance Level 5...
Material
Stainless Steel
Brand
Rockland Guard
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$13.95
Details
Preview
NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection;...
Title
NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection;...
Material
Polyethylene, Spandex, Fiberglass
Brand
NoCry
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$13.49
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Dowellife Large Grey Protective Gloves with Cut Resistance, Machine...
Title
Dowellife Large Grey Protective Gloves with Cut Resistance, Machine...
Material
Polyethylene, Spandex, Fiberglass
Brand
Dowellife
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$8.99
Details
Preview
YINENN 2 Pairs (4 Gloves) Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade Level 5...
Title
YINENN 2 Pairs (4 Gloves) Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade Level 5...
Material
Nylon
Brand
YINENN
Prime
-
Price
Price not available
Details
Preview
San Jamar 1000 Rubber Oyster Shucking Glove with Cotton Lining (Pack...
Title
San Jamar 1000 Rubber Oyster Shucking Glove with Cotton Lining (Pack...
Material
Rubber, Latex
Brand
San Jamar
Prime
-
Price
$39.45
Details

Best Oyster Shucking Gloves Review

1. Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set: Best Overall

Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set- High Performance Level 5...

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Highlighted Features

  • Level 5 cut-resistance
  • Lightweight and comfy
  • Made with the newest tech
  • Food-safe

The Rockland Guard Oyster Shucking Set with Level 5 Food Grade Gloves & 3.5-inch Stainless Steel Oyster Knife has been awarded the EN388 level 5 cut resistance. Made with the highest cut resistance material available, this pair of gloves is a great investment.

It’s one of our top three choices because you can pick your own size for the best fit and when you put them on, they will feel so comfy and lightweight, without any bulk or discomfort.

As they are designed with the latest technology, they are 100 percent food safe and can be machine washed so keeping them clean will be so simple.

Together with the shucking knife, you get elegant and sleek shucking equipment that will help you crack through the toughest of oysters effortlessly.

When you have them on, you can firmly grasp the oyster and you need not worry about any slippages harming your hand. Remember, a shucking glove does not permit careless shucking- it only serves to minimize the damage when it happens or to avert it.

2. NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves

NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection;...

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Highlighted Features

  • Food-safe
  • Reduces the risk of serious injury
  • Eases the maneuvers
  • Available in several sizes

Thanks to these gloves sold by No Cry, you will soon regain your confidence in shucking oysters, but also while chopping and slicing. There will be no cuts and bruises and no need to bandage fingers or head to the ER!

Made from food-safe, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, Spandex, and glass fiber, they will keep you as safe as possible, even from the sharpest blades. The severity of the injury in case of an accident while being brought to a minimum with the regular use of these gloves.

What’s more, with these gloves, you will be able to work faster and more efficiently. You will no longer go slowly because you fear a cut. You will easily maneuver the knife with this extra comfortable glove.

Pick your suitable size according to the size chart and start shucking oysters safely today!

3. Dowellife Food Grade Cut Resistant Gloves: Budget Pick

Dowellife Large Grey Protective Gloves with Cut Resistance, Machine...

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Highlighted Features

  • Suitable for mandolin handling
  • Excellent dexterity
  • Extra fit and comfort
  • Breathable and soft

The lightweight, elastic, and comfortable gloves by Dowellife will ease the oyster shucking, but also improve your handling of graters, knives, and mandolins. It offers a high level of protection and good dexterity, with a low risk of serious injury of the hands.

Being snugly and extra fit, these cut-resistant gloves will firm up your grips on slippery and oddly-shaped items thanks to their quality material and lightweight.

Unlike chainmail gloves, these ones offer premium comfort, thinness, breathability, and softness.

It’s also great that these gloves have no difference for left and right hand and thus; can be worn on either hand. Quality and inexpensive, these gloves are definitely a great purchase!

4. YINENN Cut Resistant Gloves

YINENN Large (Pack of 4) Grey Protective Gloves, Cut Resistant, Food...

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Highlighted Features

  • Versatile
  • Available in 4 different sizes
  • Made with premium cut-resistant material
  • Suitable for hand- and machine-washing

The highly durable and cut-resistant gloves by YINENN come in 2 pairs and believe us, they will become your best companion while shucking oysters, but while you’re slicing meat or filleting fish or doing some garden work too!

We also love the option to choose from four different sizes, i.e. small, medium, large, and extra-large for optimal comfort and safe use.

The gloves are made with premium EN388 certified material which protects from cut, chop, and laceration. It’s 5 times stronger than universal cut-resistant or leather gloves and highly comfortable and snuggly on the hands and skin.

The gloves are suitable for hand- and machine-washing and you can also sanitize them as dishwashing towels. They preserve their softness and flexibility after washing.

5. Stark Safe Multifunctional Gloves

Stark Safe Cut Resistant Gloves, Level 5 Protection, Kitchen Cut...

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Highlighted Features

  • Inexpensive
  • Stronger than leather
  • Comfortable and light
  • Maximum breathability

The multifunctional and amazingly snuggly cut-resistant gloves which are sold for a very affordable price by Stark Safe will bring your oyster shucking to the next level. The material used for their creation is 4 times stronger than leather and offers Level 5 Protection from Cuts.

Whether you shuck oysters, slice some meat, or grate something, these gloves will enhance safety and prevent unpleasant cuts, bruises, and scratches. Since they feel very good on the hands, you will feel no discomfort of pressure while doing the task.

An excellent feature of these gloves is the maximum breathability property of this quality material so there will be no sweating, even after hours of use. Your hands will be dry and you’ll feel comfy. 

6. San Jamar Oyster Shucking Glove

San Jamar 1000 Rubber Oyster Shucking Glove with Cotton Lining (Pack...

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Highlighted Features

  • Optimal gripping capacity
  • Lined with cotton
  • Keeps the hands dry
  • Liquid-proof

San Jamar Rubber Oyster Shucking Glove with Cotton Lining is made with a heavy-duty textured latex rubber exterior which optimizes its gripping capacity. Thanks to the cotton lining, your hands will be dry and there will be no chaffing, even when you use it for a prolonged period of time.

Moreover, since it is liquid-proof, the exterior of the gloves is very easy for maintenance and cleaning. No matter if you are left- or right-handed, this glove will fit perfectly. There is one size that fits all so there is no need for measuring.

Customers praise them for their comfort and the ability to provide much-needed finger movement. Plus, the rubber coating is sufficiently thick to protect you from sharp edges.

7. KingKut Cut-Resistant Gloves

KingKut Cut Resistant Gloves, Kitchen Cutting Gloves, Professional Cut...

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Highlighted Features

  • Stronger than regular gloves
  • Superior cut-resistant material
  • Awarded for high protection
  • Versatile
  • Food-safe

The KingKut Cut-Resistant Gloves are inexpensive, offer great protection, and are 10 times stronger than regular gloves. Made with superior cut-resistant material, they were awarded the highest level 5 protection certification.

Thanks to the amazing transverse knitting technology and usage of an elastic material, the grip is excellent. There is no surplus hem on the fingertips and there is great dexterity for precise work such as shucking oysters.

The gloves are food grade and safe for machine washing. For easy hang drying, the gloves have a hanging ring inserted.

Since they are very versatile, they are not just useful for shucking, but for wood carving, butchering, grating, slicing, garage, and yard work, collecting broken glass, and more. 8 40

8. GPMTER ultra-durable gloves

Ultra Durable Cut Resistant Gloves, for Kitchen Cooking, Oyster...

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Highlighted Features

  • Inexpensive
  • Cut-resistant
  • Breathable
  • Made from very strong material

If you don’t want to spend too much on protective gloves, yet you want quality ones that will keep your hands safe from unpleasant cuts and bruises, the GPMTER ultra-durable gloves can be the best pick for you.

Made from 4-times-stronger-than-leather material, these cut-resistant gloves are multifunctional- you can use them for shucking oysters, but when slicing or cutting meats or grinding foods. Available in 4 different sizes, they’re easy on the hands, flexible, and breathable.

They will keep your hands dry the whole time and they will maintain their softness, even after washing.

However, these gloves are cut-resistant; however, they don’t protect from slashes and stabs. This being said, you need to use them cautiously while shucking oysters.

9. Astunner Cut Resistant Gloves

Astunner Cut Resistant Gloves for Safety Kitchen Work, Food Grade...

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Highlighted Features

  • Knitted with special cut-proof fibers
  • High dexterity
  • Level 5 Cut Protection
  • Different sizes available

If you want gloves that are seamlessly knitted, have Level 5 cut protection, and are made of breathable and lightweight fibers, you will appreciate the Astunner Cut-Resistant Gloves.

You can pick between four different sizes for optimal fit and comfort. Whether it’s shucking oysters or some other task in the kitchen or elsewhere (gardening, woodworking, carving, etc.), they’re an excellent option for fast task completion and safety.

They preserve their flexibility and softness after being washed- they’re safe for machine and hand washing, so you can always keep them clean and neat without fearing quality reduction.

Thanks to the special elastic and premium cut-proof fibers, the dexterity of these gloves is optimized and they feel great on the hands. Even after hours of use, there will be less sliding and sweating.

10. Charleston Oyster Shucking Gloves

The Charleston Shucker Company Oyster Shucking Level 5 Cut Resistant...

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Highlighted Features

  • High-level cut-resistant material
  • Food-safe material
  • Lightweight
  • Easy on the skin
  • Machine washable

The Oyster Shucking Gloves by the Charleston Shucker Company could be the answer you were looking for to those unpleasant cuts and bruises during oyster shucking. Affordable and durable, these gloves are made with high-level cut-resistant material.

This is also one of our favorite shucking gloves because of the food-safe material and how easy they’re on the skin. Whether you are shucking oysters or slicing some tough meat in the kitchen, put on these gloves for optimal experience and great results without hand injuries.

Since they are washing machine safe, they are easy to keep clean. Thanks to the one size fit all, they will fit every hand size, no matter if you are a woman or a man.

Why Do I Need Shucking Gloves?

Your technique, experience, and hand dryness play a pivotal role in the success of the shucking; however, unpredictable situations in food preparation are not uncommon.

For example, the oyster may have sharp edges or you may apply a bit too much pressure and cause slippage of the knife.

If you are not wearing gloves, you can sustain cuts, bruises, and more serious injuries. Specialized gloves can help decrease damage. So, they are a smart investment, for sure.

To help protect the hands from different hazards, protective gloves need to be made from the right materials. The most common glove material for this purpose (in butchering too!) is chainmail, a material made from thousands of metal links combined together.

There are also cut-and-sewn and seamless knitted gloves.

The former can be designed with cut-resistant or conventional materials and the latter is made cut-resistant with the help of materials with high performance like HPPE, Para-aramid, and PVA yarns.

What Are the Pros/Cons of Shucking Glove Materials?

  • Chainmail

This material which is usually made from stainless steel provides the best protection from stabs from all other shucking glove materials.

Even though they may seem uncomfortable when you look at them, the appropriate size will feel lightweight, flexible, and snug.

They are easy to clean with water, brush, and soap. However, they are not waterproof and can make the hands damp and plus, they can be quite expensive.

  • Rubber

This material is considered to offer the best grip and it is very easy to clean- you just need to rinse them with some warm water.

Though they may seem sturdy at first, as time goes by, they will become much softer and more flexible.

However, a lot of rubber gloves do not provide optimal protection. This depends on the rubber’s thickness. Hence, if you want rubber gloves, opt for the ones labeled as cut- or stab-resistant.

  • Kevlar

This is the same high tensile plastic that is used in bulletproof vests. But, for the purposes of food preparation, they are made thinner and combined with other materials and coated with layers, latex, or rubber.

They offer amazing cut protection and are less expensive than the chainmail ones. Cleaning these gloves can be tricky due to the possible reduction in strength.

  • Cloth

Shucking gloves from leather or cotton or a combination of the two are also commonly used. The protection level depends on the padding’s thickness and its location.

They are a good option for experienced shuckers who need higher comfort. Nonetheless, they can become smelly after some use so they need to be washed regularly.

How to Choose the Best Oyster Gloves?

Being made from several different materials, shucking gloves offer different strengths and protection levels. In most cases, the less experience you have in shucking oysters, the stronger gloves you need.

Of course, you should also take into account factors like price and comfort.

Avoid too tight or too wide gloves because they will impede the shucking. Opt for a fitting and snugly glove that will provide you with the needed confidence and control during challenging food preparation tasks such as shucking.

Same as other types of gloves, most of these oyster gloves come in regular sizes like extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Luckily for users who prefer buying online, there are sizing charts to rely on. You just need to measure the hand with tape at the widest point below your knuckles and compare it with the chart to find your size.

How to Take Good Care of Shucking Gloves?

Even though there are gloves that can be washed in the machine or dry cleaned without any problem, there are those with other types of materials that will require a different type of care.

Namely, plastics, elastic, and rubbers used in gloves may be more sensitive to some detergents, additives, and dry cleaning solvents.

Repeated exposure to these substances may reduce the gloves’ softness and functional characteristics.

So, make sure you research well about how to properly maintain the gloves you purchase. It’s best to consult the supplier or to read the manual if the gloves come with one.

What Is Level 5 Cut Protection?

When reading reviews of shucking gloves, you will come across the term Level 5 Cut Protection a lot. So, you should know what it means in terms of glove quality. Namely, this has to do with the glove’s resistance to cuts.

The tests are performed when different weights are placed on a blade and the distance it goes before it cuts through the material is being measured.

When it comes to oyster shucking knives, there is a higher risk of the knife poking the glove and piercing the skin, without actually making cuts in the glove.

This is where high resistance levels are not as crucial as the density, knit, and gauge of the shucking glove. This optimizes the protection from stabbing in case of slippage or other unfortunate situation.

Hence, make sure you also research these aspects of the protective gloves you plan on buying. However, this doesn’t mean that cut resistance isn’t a vital feature in gloves, especially if you use them for more than shucking, for example slicing and carving meat or using graters or slicing on mandolins.

Final Thoughts

If shucking oysters is your thing, you do not just need the proper shucking knife, but shucking gloves for the experience to be complete. Though the knife and your technique do all the shucking, the gloves are a pivotal safety element.

Knowing how tricky shucking can be, especially if you are a beginner, it is good to have a way to keep your hands free of injuries.

These gloves are made with cut-resistant materials and designed in a way to minimize the potential damage. With this in mind, it is very beneficial to consider investing in shucking gloves.

To make decision-making easier, we have chosen our top 10 shucking gloves from different companies.

We definitely love the Rockland Guard gloves that “scream” comfort, quality, and safety. They are sold together with a great shucking knife! Since they’re a bit more expensive than the other models, they may be more suitable for those without a budget limit.

But, this does not mean that those with a smaller budget cannot purchase quality shucking gloves- the NoCry, Dowellife and KingKut models are proof that quality and affordability can go hand in hand.

The rubber glove option by San Jamar is a great choice for those who prefer rubber gloves, yet want optimal protection and awesome grip.

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