Live in a small studio so I don't have much kitchen space.  This starter set takes care of all my kitchen needs.  It comes with an 8" Chef knife for the bulk of my jobs, a 5" utility for slicing onion, tomato, melon, pineapple and even rolls, bagels and breads.
The curved bolster is so comfortable, and it also permits me to sharpen the blade without any interference.  The blade is also curved which really makes chopping, mincing and dicing so much easier.
I love the fact they are made with German, high carbon still, which is the gold star standard for knives.  The one piece construction makes it very durable, and the full tang allows for a nice weight which assists in cutting jobs.  The bonus is that these knives have a lifetime guarantee.
I did  need to purchase a honing steel to complete the set.  But it is necessary to maintain the edge.