There are some bivalves you can open by simply pulling them apart.  Trying
to insert a blade between the valves is virtually impossible for most
species, especially thick shelled clams such as Mercenaria.  Anyone
attempting to do so risks more than a minor cut.  As for softening, I was at
a restaurant when a man in my group eating steamed oysters stuck the
shucking knife completely through his hand.  He was not a novice "shell
opener" but an experienced oyster opener/eater.

dick p.

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Campbell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 6:04 PM
Subject: Re: How to open a bivavle specimen ?


>> Cutting the adductor muscles without opening the shell is quite a trick.
>> The method should be explained!
>
> It may be possible to get a thin blade between the valves and use that
> to cut them; however, it's probably easier if softened first.  Be
> careful about cutting the bivalve open, or you may get a scar like the
> one I got a couple months ago.
>
> --
> Dr. David Campbell
> 425 Scientific Collections
> University of Alabama
> "I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"
>
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