Knifemakers, help me out!

[foundlingofdollar]

Hello all you knifemakers out there! I'm setting a goal of making all the Christmas presents that I give this year by hand. For a few family members I want to make some handmade end-grain chopping blocks and a kitchen knife to go with each one. The only problem is I'm very exacting about my kitchen knives. I don't have the equipment or experience to grind or forge blades myself, so I'm looking for something in the range of a kit that will include a high-quality blade which I can make scales for and sharpen myself.

Any recommendations?