Bingo. We should all work on improving our proficiencies, whilst also looking for demonstrable upgrades. I think it is mutually beneficial. As our proficiency with the basics improves, so to our ability to recognize enhancements, which in turn allow us to build on our proficiencies, also making us better at the basics by helping us think outside the box more.

Should anyone have trouble still justifying the need to drop $300+ for a knife, I would still endorse spending whatever you can afford to get the best knife you can and learn to use it and maintain it within it's limitations. Even a good stone knife can last more than a lifetime if used properly and maintained well.