You would think that the knives I use most would be top of the line. The knives I use most are my kitchen knives, and they are a mishmash of eclectic no name Chinese wonders with a Chicago Cutlery or two. The thing is, they work. I used my Dejavoo to cut up potatoes for stew the other day. It did ok, but no match for my Chinese mini-chef knife of mystery steel that I got at a supermarket. It is just as bad out it the yard. El Cheapo Tramontina's rule out there. I buy knives I'll never need because I like them. They are like art. The way "normal" people collect coins or fine china or jewelry, I collect knives. Then I use most of them in mindless "tests" in my backyard just for fun. Life is good.