Nut Splitter Nutcracker

The Nut Splitter Nutcracker was developed by Jim Hannon-Tan for the manufacturer Alessi.

This Italian company has been a trend-setter for decade after decade thanks to its collaborations with generations of important designers. Born in Spain, raised in Australia and dividing his professional life between Milan, Amsterdam and London, it's perhaps not surprising that Jim Hannon-Tan is a talent who draws on wide-ranging international influences in his work. His extensive client list includes airlines and department stores as well as makers of fine glassware, jewellery, furniture and consumer gadgets.

Originally introduced in 2008, the Nut Splitter Nutcracker from Alessi was conceived when Jim Hannon-Tan saw an acquaintance cracking open a walnut with the point of a knife. This inspired him to create a small, portable implement with a compact handle and a pointed end which could be punched into a nutshell to split it open. Made from cast stainless steel, the Nut Splitter Nutcracker is 3.5cm in height and 4cm in width, and its smooth, elegant contours mimic the winged shape of maple seeds. A handy alternative to a traditional nutcracker, it's great for picnics and casual snacking.