After couple months of research, I have come to the decision to buy the following items for my kitchen set. I must say this: your suggestions are extremely helpful and I am grateful for you people to take time to post in this thread.
I am going to order from this
online company, CutleryandMore for the free shipping.
1. the
Chef knife:
Tojiro 8.25" Damascus blade for $120. The alternate is the
Miyabi 8" knife for $100. The concern I have about this blade: it is designed by a celebrity, Miyabi Morimoto which sometimes a product like this may not be a successful design.
2. the
Paring knife:
Forschner 6-piece set for $23.
3. the
Honing rod:
Kyocera 9" ceramic rod for $23.
4. the
Shears:
Messermeister 8" scissors for $10.
5. the
Block:
bamboo block with 17 slots for $30.
6. the
Cutting board:
18x12x1.25" end grain board for $30. There are boards made by bamboo but I like to know more about those boards before buying.
7. the
Sharpening stone:
stone/oil combo from Norton for $40. The alternate is the
Wusthof sharpen stone for $40.
There is all to it for $276, plus tax.
Welcome for further suggestions.