Most essential blades

[SaintlyBrees]

1 good chefs knife
1 good pocketknife suited to your occupational needs

Yeah, that pretty much does it for me, too. I'd add one "dress" knife, but the title does say essential and that would be highly desirable (as would one fixed blade) but not essential. Need a Chef's knife & a good, all around functional pocket knife. Everything else is gravy.