My edc blade is a Spyderco Paramilitary. It's a bit over your budget, but it's a fair price for what you get. It's a tough, versatile knife that holds its edge forever

All you need is a high quality chef knife and a paring knife. That will take care of 99% of your needs. No need to get a good serrated blade since sharpening them is a pain. I've had a Mac MTH-80 and a Mac paring knife for years. They make fantastic knives. Hold an edge great and sharp as hell

My former neighbor was a chef and he convinced me to buy a Mac chefs knife. It holds its edge beautifully and has been a workhorse for me. Highly recommend it