yes it's opening the shell and dig out the oyster. Those shells are very much SHUT and do not want to be pried open, hence the knife. And it takes strength to pry them open, again hence the cuts on the hands! Kids obviously don't have the strength of an adult and that's why I got major beat up shucking them oyster. AND the shell also is very sharp and cuts the hands as well. It's NOT fun but the oyster is delicious!