Joseph Opinel began his knife making career in 1895 in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The local population of shepherds, farmers, and artisans were the first to put the knives to the test but by the 1940s more than 200 million had been sold. This specialized version is for oyster shucking. The stiff 2-1/2" blade won't break or bend when put to the test against tough oyster shells, and the sturdy handle is made of moisture resistant varnished bubinga wood. It's unique for being the only folding oyster knife on the market.