This thread confuses me. Do people believe that food prep is somehow related to your cooking prowess? That you don't "need" or "deserve" a nice knife that cuts easily if you're not making haute cuisine?
I went from a $10 supermarket wedge to a $500 jap laser just because I could, my cooking hasn't improved one bit. I still make the same sandwiches and simple stews that I used to, but the preparation is so much easier and more enjoyable.