figured i'd update this, after much deliberation i've decided on the wusthof classic series afterall. got out to some stores to handle and examine some steel in person and really liked them. I've come to the conculsion that they are the best knives with the best price as if that makes any sense. I've also decided to peice together my own set. I managed to buy a blockless set missing a piece for cheap, and this way i can get the larger block i want which holds 8 steak knives instead of 6. for right now i still need a steel, 6" utility, and the block. I will add the rest later.

 

Well, I was inspired by this thread. I upgraded to this nice set as well.

 

i have a similar stockpile of those i use at work