I think you've answered your own question - you usually get what you pay for. Knives are one of your most important kitchen tools. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a couple of decent knives and they'll last a lifetime. Why bother with cheap junk? Forget about knife sets. They may seem like a better bagain because you get more knives, but you don't need most of them. Buy a good 8" chef's knife and a 4' to 6" utility knife. That's all you really need.