I've done my research by reading a bunch of Reddit threads. Beginner budget friendly chef's knife? You buy a Victorinox knife. I bought their cheap $30ish dollar knife and it's been great for me. It's still sharp after daily use for about half a year now.
And definitely get a whetstone and learn to use it. Doesn't have to be an expensive one either.
Absolutely go with the Vicotrinox knives. It's a great recommendation. They have by far the best handles that won't slip no matter how wet, oily, or covered in fat your hands are. They price is right. They're durable and can be easily sharpened all the way to the tang.
I've been using mine 3 times a day for years and I love it.
Also, the quality of a knife is not determined y how rarely it has to be sharpened. All knives need regular sharpening if they're actually being used. So again, Blooded hands is right here and get a sharpener. A whetstone is good and can be cheap, but it takes practice. I love mine, but if you don't like the process you may be better off finding a good electric sharpener. Chef's Choice makes a really good and well reviewed sharpener.
