If you don't plan on selling your good knives, I don't know if the value/expense rationale holds up. Also, not really seeing 'sleeper' good deals at WS...looks like rather predictable stock. You've listed maybe the top competitors, but I'd imagine the chef knife profile of the Shun Classic knife would be quite different compared to your nice knives you've gotten used to using.
Scott - does Old Hickory make stainless knives?