The Opinel No. 8 and my amber bone Case trapper are my most carried and used knives, Greg. I've acquired, thorough purchase, gift, or GAW prize, close to 40 knives in the last couple of years. The Opinel will only set you back about $15. You should definitely give one a try.
As for the martini, I've never had a "perfect" one (half dry, half sweet vermouth), but may try one some day. If you like gin (my faves are Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire, in that order), you could try coating the ice with dry vermouth (my preference is Noilly Prat, but Martini and Rossi will do), and tossing out the excess, add the gin, and shake or stir with the ice in the shaker or glass. The stirring probably diltutes the drink less. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with an olive or three, or a twist of lemon. Both are good. What do you have to lose?
Sounds good, Taylor, but I ain't drinking cheap tequila. I suggest you try Herradura Silver. Wonderful stuff. You'll never drink José Cuervo again!