I had been looking at many different knives for over a year and I came across many different types and price levels. I tried a few knives at various kitchen stores and I even found some great German knives at good prices.
I purchased a Henckels
Henckels International Classic 8-Inch Stainless-Steel Chef's Knife for a line-cook friend and she really liked it and I used it a few times and thought it was a good knife at a good price. I also bought a Wustof Grand Prix
Wüsthof Grand Prix 8-Inch Cook's Knife for my former Exec. Chef (I am a restaurant manager) on sale for $40 (the Grand Prix II came out and now the Grand Prixs are reduced).
I found that I really didn't like the German designed knives and I looked at Japanese knives. I really liked the Shun line of knives from KAI but they are truly an investment at $120 for a Shun Classic 8-inch Chef's Knife
Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife. With a little more searching I discovered KAI's Wasabi line and with a little research on the difference between the types of Japanese blade styles I decided to try the 8.25-inch Deba (similar to a European Chef's Knife) and the 6.5-inch Nakiri vegetable knife. I have really been impressed with both knives. The steel is very strong and of great quality. The one-sided blade takes a little getting used to, but the edge stays sharp with a little honing after a few uses. The handle is nice and easy to clean.
I would recommend giving any of the KAI Wasabi line a try. Decide whether you want the multi purpose Santoku (meaning 'three virtues' for its use with meat, fish and vegetables), one of the 3 sizes of Debas (4-inch, 6-inch, 8.25-inch), the Nakiri or the 3 sizes of Sashimi (6-inch, 8-inch and 9.5-inch). I love my 8.25 Deba and Nakiri. I use the Nakiri on vegetables, garlic, herbs and I use the Deba for mincing and other tasks. I want to try the Santoku and the 9.5-inch Sashimi, and since they are less than $20 a piece, why not!