The tools of the trade you need for your next barbecue or oyster roast.
Join or Die Handmade Tobacco Barn Oyster Knife
Point Break
Crafted of reclaimed wood from a century-old tobacco barn, this limited edition oyster knife by Richmond-based craftsman Brent Stubblefield (Join or Die) for Grid Supply Company is stained with leather dye to bring out the character of the wood and finished with a brass guard and mosaic pins. Handmade Tobacco Barn Oyster Knife, $125. GridSupplyCo.com
BrineHound Oyster Shucking Block and Oyster Knife
Virginia Boys Kitchens Cutting Board
Le Grande Oyster Bed
Christiansburg Weld Rocket Stove
Aw Shucks
Give yourself an extra layer of protection when shucking oysters by using a hardwood shucking block paired with a matching French-style knife. Cheekily engraved with the phrase “Down to Shuck,” the set can also be customized for an extra fee. BrineHound Oyster Shucking Block and Oyster Knife, starting at $20. Etsy.com/Shop/BrineHound
What Wood You Do
Made from sustainably grown end-grain walnut, this 20-by-15-inch cutting board has a deep groove perfect for capturing those prized juices when you’re slicing meats. As pretty as it is practical, it doubles as a serving tray for your ’cue. Virginia Boys Kitchens Cutting Board, $89.97. VirginiaBoysKitchens.com
Early to Bed
Specially crafted to cook and serve oysters in an endless array of styles, this lightweight platter can take the heat with a dozen cooking wells and a generous reservoir for catching juices. Le Grande Oyster Bed, $129.99. TheOysterBed.com
Rock It Out
Ideal for camping, this small, portable rocket stove is self-feeding with a removable top that can accommodate large pots. All you need to steam some oysters is a few sticks to get it cranking. Christiansburg Weld Rocket Stove, $105. ChristiansburgWeld.com
Kudu Grill
Kudu Magic
This innovative open-fire cooking and campfire system lets you grill, bake, sear, sauté, steam and fry—all from one easy-to-set-up grill. Bonus: When you’re done cooking, it converts to a vertical fire pit. Kudu Grill, $499. KuduGrills.com
Moore & Giles Capps Leather Work Apron
Ann Ladson Bronze Oyster Spork
Forged Horse Head Tool Set
Rappahannock Oyster Co. Shucking Gloves
Tie One On
The perfect protective accessory for grilling meat or roasting oysters, this vintage-inspired leather apron will only get better with age. With an adjustable neck strap, easy-cinch waist, and multiple pockets, it’s designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Moore & Giles Capps Leather Work Apron, $375. MooreAndGiles.com
Spork It Over
Handcrafted by Charleston, S.C.-based artist Ann Ladson, this delicate utensil is custom designed to gently extract an oyster while cupping just enough of its juices to wash it down. Bronze Oyster Spork, $95. AnnLadson.com
Into The Fire
A trio of Lexington horses top this hand-forged barbecue tool set, which includes a spatula, fork and spoon. When you’re not flipping meat or stoking coals, each tool also has a bottle opener integrated into the handle. Forged Horse Head Tool Set, $150. Etsy.com/Shop/RefinersForge
Hands On
A latex “crinkle” coating provides the grip you need when shucking slippery oysters. From the Rappahannock Oyster Co. folks, who know a thing or two about shucking. Shucking Gloves, $12. RROysters.com
This article originally appeared in our Smoke & Salt 2018 issue.
