^^^ I agree. Mine were not the cheapest , but also not the most expensive. I have a second set of Cuisinart knives that are so so. My husband got them for me with his credit card miles. I use them outside at the grill kitchen but I have to sharpen them frequently
My wife and I found a couple of KitchenAid brand knives (chef’s and sontoku) for about $10 each at a local Marshalls. Figured it was so cheap we’d give them a try. I had really no expectations they would be good, but turns out they are pretty decent knives for daily use.
We got Chicago Cutlery when we got married, 30 years ago. I have heard they used to be good but the quality went down in recent years - true? We aren’t real cooks, though, so they are fine for our purposes.
We have used a set of ceramic knives for the past 4-5 years. We’ve never sharpened them but I think it’s about time. I believe I can get them sharpened for free.
We have. Knife holder that fits very nicely into a kitchen drawer. Got at Sur La Table and it holds all of our knives nicely.
I work at one of the kitchen stores mentioned up thread. When folks come in to the store to look at knives I do my best to get them to hold the knives and try them before they buy anything. There are several lines, across brands and price points, that look every similar. It’s not until you hold them that you can really appreciate the differences.
Many of the brands we sell make a wide variety of knives at vastly different price-points. Be assured that there are differences in the Brand X knives sold at Walmart and the Brand X knives that are sold in high-end kitchen stores.
Regarding the need to “sharpen” knives. I liken taking care of your knives to taking care of your teeth. You brush your teeth at least once a day. You should hone your knives once a day. Honing does not sharpen your knives but it does help keep the edge straight and true so they feel sharp and stay sharp longer. And, just like you go to the dentist once a year, you will likely need to sharpen your knives yearly as well.
Thank you @Googie31