I use Shun knives, I was lucky and got a set for christmas
They're definetly not cheap but they're soooo worth the money. They stay sharp for ages, the blade is fairly thinner than most other brands and they're light and comfortable. And the 'damascus' pattern on them looks pretty cool, its from the manufacturing process, the steel is folded around 50 or so times. They're made by KAI Corporation, supposedly the modern incarnation of samurai sword makers. I use my knives all day everyday at work (I'm a chef) and it never gets uncomfortable. I've had Victorinox, Mundial and Arcos knives and out of all of them, Shun shits all over them
but thats just my opinion.
Basic 20cm chefs knife goes for over $200
A couple of hints to keeping knives sharp and taken care of... don't put them through the dishwasher, and after cutting up lemons/tomatoes etc (anything with acid in it)... rinse it straight away or it will discolour the steel... and don't let any stupid little dishies offer to wash it for you or they'll drop it!