Dave,I got a set of Globals for Christmas from my wife. I felt the same way. $500 for 5 knives and a really cool block. I had a gift receipt and was going to take them back. I decided to check the reviews on them and then read further. In the end, I decided to keep them and try them out. Im actually starting to warm up to them and can see why most professionals think they are the great. They won't replace my 14" Victorinox carving knife by any stretch of the imagination. But that's not what they are made for. I can't say I'm 100% sold yet but I am starting to like them and see the benefits of them.
taking up space in the knife drawer.
Global has a great reputation of that there is no doubt. My reasoning behind my post was to toss out an idea for some relatively inexpensive USA made cutlery for outside use and save the expensive stuff for inside use.
This isn't even 1/4 of what I have but I have an excuse. Being a Chef and all. lol