SteelRain,
Now that is a loaded question. Knifes are a very personal thing. Kind of like asking what is a good smoker.......
Top End: Global, Wusthof, Kershaw, Henckels Five Star (Make sure it is the 5 star series. They are now importing cheap Chinese steel under there name),
Cutco (Free Life time sharpening service.)
Knives for the rest of us: Forshner (Rated # 1 by cooks Illustrated)
I own a mixed bag of knives. My everyday knives are the white handled knives. they are from Tramontina. High Carbon German Steel knives made in Brazil. I got them at the local restaurant supply store. They are cheap, NSF rated and hold an edge well.