[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

I really only need 2 quality kitchen knives. A 3.5" Paring knife and a classic 6" Chef's knife. About $200 all in for high carbon stainless from Germany.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBFDFVS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1

+1 on the 3.5" Paring knife. I use that one 99% of the time
The 1% is 8" Chef's knife to chop a block of asparagus in one shot.

No need to spend $400 on knives.
Link above is all you really need for $150.

If you want a full set, just because, either of these are $350
https://www.amazon.com/W%C3%9CSTHOF-Classic-7-Piece-Precision-Stainless/dp/B003MU9F4W
https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Classic-7-Piece-Block-Set/dp/B0002JENPM/