Other sources to consider,
price-wise, e-bay.
I, I should say, my wife orders from knifemerchant.com, for my gifts. They carry a wide range and usually a good price overall.
I am fond of the Masahiro, although I see they carry the Shuns and Glestains now.
Regardless, good luck with your purchase and endeavors.
Congrats on your baby. I have 15 month old boy, it's the greatest! I love watching him eat, sometimes he enjoys it so much, that he starts to wiggle and dance in his seat.
Yesterday I made him angelhair pasta and squash bloosom flowers with refrito. Maple baked beans & beef brats & pineapple. Salisburry with rutabega-yukon mash (dash of horseradish).
As for carbon steel, I've worked with some (very talented) guys that swear by carbon. Always an option!