I’ve commonly seen this recommended as a go-to beginner chefs knife. Good to start with a cheap one especially if you are going to learn how to hone and sharpen on your own. If you plan on paying someone to sharpen for you then you could get something even nicer right out the gate. I’ve had one of these for about a decade and it’s been great. Different types of steel will be good for certain things, but this is good for a wide range of cutting activities. 

Victorinox Swiss Army 5.2063.20-X4 Fibrox Straight Chef's Knife Black 8 inhttps://a.co/d/ehSnxkO 

 https://www.amazon.com/WUSTHOF-1040330120-Classic-Cooks-Knife/dp/B0862VYM6W/

Something around 100Bucks preferably made in Solingen, Germany does the job perfectly well. Will last you a long time if treated well and sharpened regularly.  

 Also, don't ever put it in the dishwasher.  

 https://www.macknife.com/products/professional-series-8-chefs-knife-with-dimples-mth-80