Abstract: A manually actuated clam opener is disclosed as having a holding arm and a knife arm in a scissor-like configuration, pivotally interconnected at the base of the knife arm, and at the midpoint of the holding arm. A ratchet and pawl connects the knife arm to a a first squeeze handle, the second squeeze handle being formed by the lower half of the holding arm. The purpose of the ratchet and pawl, prior to use, to hold the upper or operating part of the device (knife arm and holding arm) in a wide open position, the holding arm opposed to the knife arm. By repeatedly squeezing the first and second handle arms, the pawl moves in a manner to first insert the knife through the back or hinge point of the clam, and then to further insert the knife to cut the lip of the clam, which holds the shells together at the rounded portion of the clam shells.