Ya, I've seen the Kramer stuff. Beautiful, but probably beyond my unnecessary desire at the moment. I also saw a thing on these knives too:
http://cutbrooklyn.com/. I could see if I really start getting into it perhaps later getting something like that but I'll start a bit lower for the moment. I can spare $100-$150 to try something out.
I like the Victorinox stuff and considered getting the in-laws a set but I really don't like their handles. I know the blades are really well regarded for the money. I don't like thick bolsters/finger guard with how I pinch grip most of the time, which makes me think I'll like the Japanense styles a bit more.
The OXO knives have been really good and with occasional steeling I think are a good set of general purpose knives and quite good for the money.
We had to bring a couple knives over the other weekend when we made some Sushi with the in-laws since they only have utility kind of knives and they're dull, very dull. My wife was concerned about slicing herself with them they were so bad. My mother-in-law has a beautiful glass cutting board she loves to use which I'm pretty sure is why they're blades are shot. We tried to tell them they shouldn't cut on it, but you know "old" people....
I don't plan on getting a whole set quite yet, just starting out with one and then maybe a pairing knife or Santoku later (I do really like Santokus). We'll see how well I take care of it but I try and take pretty good care of the ones we have. They have a super deal on the 8" Miyabi Kaizen II right now though.