Commemorative Oyster Knives Sales To Support the ORP and Pride of Baltimore II

Some of you may have noticed, via the TLTFF social media feeds, that I'm kind of an oyster nerd. Something I hold even closer to my heart is conservation. Well we have some amazing conservation groups here in Maryland that work individually and mutually to do great things for the Chesapeake. The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) is one of those organizations. Bringing two things that I love full circle, ORP has partnered with the amazingly talented Dale German to bring something absolutely one of a kind to the table. This may not be fly fishing related, but in a way, it is connected to our fishery here in Maryland and the work that is being done to preserve and conserve it. 

Check it by reading on below...

Commemorative Oyster Knives Sales To Support the

Oyster Recovery Partnership and Pride of Baltimore II

Annapolis, MD (November 2015) — Oyster knives made from wood used to build the iconic tall ship Pride of Baltimore II are being crafted to raise funds to support Chesapeake Bay restoration and preserve its rich maritime history.  This limited edition oyster knife was created with love and respect for our local waters. Proceeds from the sales support the Oyster Recovery Partnership and Pride of Baltimore, Inc. The knives can be pre-ordered through the Oyster Recovery Partnership’s website and will ship in time for the holiday season. For more information visit: www.oysterrecovery.org/prideknife.

About The Project

The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) and the Pride of Baltimore Inc. partnered to commission Baltimore master woodworker Dale German to create 500 commemorative oyster knives. The knife handles are carved from tropical hardwood leftover after the construction of Maryland’s best-known tall ship. 

“Our intent was to design a classic historical symbol of Chesapeake Bay culture that is practical for everyday use,” said ORP Executive Director, Stephan Abel.  “This is also a way for ORP and the Pride of Baltimore II to salute Maryland’s oyster heritage while we continue our work to preserve the traditions of the Bay.”

Each knife has a 3-inch, stainless steel “Boston” blade, a famous American oyster knife design known for being sturdy, versatile and dependable. It is one of the earliest known types used to "split the rock".

Knife handles are carved from timbers of bullet tree and mahogany, used in framing of Pride II's hull and as trim on above-deck structures. Each laser engraved knife comes with a certificate of authenticity and matching number from 001 to 500. The wood was preserved in climate-controlled conditions since Pride II was built in 1988.

“Over the years, hundreds of thousands of people have come aboard, gone for a sail or participated in an educational program aboard Pride of Baltimore II. She truly is an ambassador for our state,” says Rick Scott, Executive Director. “With this innovative project spearheaded by ORP, people can now own their own keepsake piece of Pride II herself—and support environmental efforts in the Chesapeake at the same time.”

Pride of Baltimore II is a reconstruction of an early 19^th-century Baltimore Clipper, as was her predecessor, Pride of Baltimore. The name "Pride of Baltimore" was the nickname of Chasseur, the largest and boldest of the legendary, Baltimore-built topsail schooners that helped win the War of 1812 and launched the city as a commercial and maritime center.  Since the mid-1970’s, these modern-day “Prides” of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world. Since her commissioning in 1988, Pride II has sailed 250,000 nautical miles, visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries, and inspired millions worldwide. For more information on thePride of Baltimore II, visit: www.pride2.org.

The Oyster Recovery Partnership was established as a nonprofit organization to help manage and implement Maryland's oyster restoration efforts. Oysters play a vital role in improving Chesapeake Bay water quality by filtering excess nutrients. They create habitat for a multitude of marine life, including the Blue Crab and Striped Bass. Over the last 21 years, ORP and its partners have planted more than 5.9 billion oysters on 2,200 acres of oyster reefs in Maryland, including the largest man made oyster reef in the country. ORP manages the region’s oyster shell recycling program and supports other sustainable fisheries management efforts. For more information, visit: www.oysterrecovery.org.

Boom...Morgan