Knife Advice Needed

One thing those of us working in my class noted: we need quality knives, at least a few good basic chefs' knives and one or two smaller knives that take a good edge when sharpened. Those we now have were acquired from Ann Shell's thrift shop and donated when we were first outfitting the cottage kitchen, but recent efforts with even the best of those indicate that an investment has to be made. It's not likely that the powers- that- be at OLLI will underwrite this, so in lieu of a Friends of OLLI donation, I can make the purchase on my own. But I'm not prepared to pay over two hundred dollars knowing that there are some very good knives out there that will do the job. So I'm wondering if any of our blog contributors have opinions about where to look and their experience with good knives. Any help will be appreciated.