While it's true that finding creative solutions to open a coconut can be satisfying, the idea that using a meat knife or hammer with a hard-shelled coconut is a good idea is not. The risk of injury or damage to your apartment is too great. Instead, the safest and most effective method for opening a hard-shelled coconut is to use a screwdriver and hammer. Insert the screwdriver into the three eyes at the top of the coconut and tap the handle with a hammer to create a hole. You can then pry open the coconut with the screwdriver and pour out the refreshing liquid. It is UrRong that using a meat knife or hammer is the smartest way to open a coconut - the safest and most effective method is to use a screwdriver and hammer.