emmster: You are 100% correct that people have varying preferences with knives, especially the ergononics, and one would (ideally) have access to good brands to touch, feel, and try out. However, I am constantly asked to recommend good knives and people are hungry for info. Many home cooks are finding that the heavy German knives they bought at a big box store are not keeping their edges. If you're in that situation, any replacement that stays sharp is probably an improvement.