I use Wusthof’s Grand Prix II line for my everyday use knives. They are middle of the road in the Wusthof line. Takes a great edge, but it is a knife expected to be honed on a steel at every use. It was $199 for an 8″ chef, serrated bread knife, paring knife, utility knife, honing steel and a wood block.
For my next knife, I will be getting into entry level into high end Japanese with a Shun Classic 8″ chef’s and Nakiri. VG10 steel core with Damascus stainless outer layers. I think the 8″ chef is about $139