I use a JA Henckels Santoku style knife that cost me right around 65 or 70 dollars. I've had it for at least 12 years now and it has served me very well as an all around kitchen knife. You really ony need one good knife. I also use a ceramic Kyocera brand chef knife but that's a luxury, and has to be sent back every other year for sharpening. The Henckels has been a workhorse in the kitchen and my recommendation is to pick something like that (I like the Santoku myself, but that's just me) and then get a cheap paring knife if you must (I use the Henckels for everything).