GranD OPeninG Games On

For most, a knife is a tool—a functional item for performing myriad tasks in the kitchen, in the feld or on the water. The knives south Carolina native Chris Williams makes are supremely functional, but they are made with such artistry and beauty you’d almost hate to use them for anything but showing your friends or fondling in the quiet of your study. Williams’ breakout model, the Edisto oyster knife, features a sharper point than the standard bivalve shucking tool for prying apart clumps and digging into the small hinges. The blade fares in the middle, making it easier to spread the shell apart when you open it. The top-end model has a Damascus carbon steel blade and is available with handles crafted from a variety of hardwoods. Price: Drinking and gaming generally don’t mix, especially if you’re in Las Vegas or atlantic City. But if you’re cruising and have a thirst for board games, you might consider this deluxe backgammon table from the French company The Orange Line. The table features a Corian surface, handmade counters and dice cups. The legs are bespoke stainless steel. Where does the drinking ft in? The set comes with a Waterford crystal Champagne bucket, two Champagne futes and a bottle of Cuvée Carbon bubbly. Price: approx. $16,680.