[Phaedrus]

Personally I see no reason to stick with any one brand just because you own a knife made by them. Often I'll love one company's gyuto but prefer another suji, for example.

[Algavinn]

Aye, I do have a mixed knife set and intend on further deviation, however that is the purpose of this question. Mac is a good match to my current cooking needs and sharpening skills/situation, which is why it is what I am considering first and foremost. It is again why I am asking this question so that if there is any particular brand or model of parring knife that excells I may consider it as well.

[Phaedrus]

I think Shun makes one of the best paring knives out there. Even among guys who bash Shun you'll find love for that one. The shape & ergonomics is very close to perfect.

[ChrisLehrer]

I feel obliged to mention that one pro chef and knife fanatic I know -- very hard-core sharpener with disturbing cutting skills -- swears by Victorinox paring knives, which you can get at 3/$12 (or less if you look). Once the knife won't take more edge without crazy sharpening behavior, you retire it as a box-cutter and go on to the next. For a home user, I suspect they'd last a decade or more. Good knives, honestly!

[Algavinn]

I will definitely check those out. In all honesty, while I feel very connected with the mac pro gyuto, I think I'm more oblivious when it comes to a parring knife. I just don't think I need something too high quality for my parring as yet, so as long as victronix is comfortable, I would be fine swinging one of those for now (****, I doubt I need more than my wusthof gourmet 3.5 for now).