Hammer Stahl's 6" and 8" chef knives are going for cheap at this moment, as well as their bird beak paring knife and steak knife set. The 6" is $39.95, and I just bought their Santoku for $29.95. I think I'll have fun with it this weekend.
Another great chef's knife investment is the Kutt brand. I have it as my whatever chefs knife. Also have a Wusthof and one I got made from a blacksmith while visiting Japan.