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The problem with handles up is if the blades drop, which is liable to happen eventually, especially if you're not the only one using the block, you are going to at least lose the tip of your blade.
Also off-topic, who is the manufacturer of the third knife?
Paring: Kanetsugu Saiun - https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kanetsugu-saiun-damascus-kitchen-knives Petty: Ohishi Aogami (Super Blue) #2 Nashiji (not currently available) http://bernal-cutlery.shoplightspeed.com/japanese-kitchen-knives/ohishi/aogami-2-nashiji/ Santoku - Kagayaki R2 Nickel Damascus (prior drop for this model) - https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kagayaki-r-2-nickel-damascus-kitchen-knives Nakiri - Mikihamono Shiro-ko Wa-Nakiri (closest example) - http://korin.com/HMA-SKWNA-165?sc=27&category=8550154 Gyotu: Ohishi Aogami (Super Blue) #2 Nashiji - http://bernal-cutlery.shoplightspeed.com/ohishi-210mm-gyuto-nashiji-aogami-2-bubinga-handle.html Chef's: Kanetsugu Saiun - https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kanetsugu-saiun-damascus-kitchen-knives
Edit: Not trying to be snarky, it's an old Chef's adage. If a knife falls near you, you get as far away as you can, let it drop, and hope for the best.
I'm already set for a Nakiri though. Pretty happy with my Tojiro, it's served me well for just over a year so far so I can't justify spending more on another one for awhile.
I have that knife I linked and it actually came coated in a lacquer, which is fairly common, though I took it off with acetone.
I'm also a bit leery about Hitachi white/blue steel. I am currently in a very high relative humidity environment (SE Asia) and my Hitachi White steel knives develop rust spots in literally just 5 or 6 hours in a blade guard (for transport of knives,) even if I lightly oil it in advance.
I've built up a patina on it several times, but have had to strip it off to remove spot rusting. High carbon steel is just way too reactive for my purposes. I do like the edges and edge retention I can get on VG-10 though.
I usually finish my knives on a Naniwa #10000 or Shapton #12000 and recently got a steal on a used Wicked Edge which I use to strop at 1/0.5 microns.