Here is an article i found interesting
Kitchen Fundamentals: The 6 Knives Every Man Should Have in His Kitchen (And How to Hone Them) | The Art of Manliness
FWIW i have a JA Henkels 8" chef Knife China and it holds a half decent edge but not stellar.
I also have a JA Jenkels paring knife German that is excellent.
I also have a Victorinox that i really like. The steel doesnt seem as hard but keeps a decent edge.
Just my 2 cents.
Mike