The large rough casing of the Black Lip Oysters are usually attached to rocky surfaces. The oyster casings may be either circular or elongated in shape. Each casing or shell, has a large hinge area at one end of the shell. This hinge is generally depicted by a thickening of the case lining. The oyster shell should be opened by piercing this hinge. See above photo with knife tip at the hinge. To pierce the hinge, use a knife or flat tipped screwdriver or a strong metal object. If there is no such instrumenting available, then the entire oyster may . . .