I did this yesterday on a 17 lb beast with kitchen shears. Go slow and be kind to yourself. And make sure no one is around to make fun of you when it comes time to use your entire body weight to slam the breastbone into submission. Fun times.

I’ve done it with a chefs knife and pairing knife. You’ll be fine, just go slowly

OP here. I’m going to go for it. I’ve also watched some videos with a knife it need be.

You can do it! And it works so much better.

I use a meat cleaver and literally karate chop the backbone out. I have never had luck with kitchen shears.

It's fine just be patient. Plan for it to take time and take some breaks of.you need to. If you have food safe gloves that might help your hands not get too cold.

You will be fine. Watch a few videos. It IS tricky at the leg bone joint so I cut in from both ends to it and then use a cleaver/butcher knife to break through the joint.

I've only ever used kitchen shears. You might have to work a bit harder, but for that size turkey it should work fine.

I was planning to try this tomorrow but realized I only have kitchen shears (not poultry shears). Turkey is 14 lbs, should I even attempt? I’m super bummed .