How much should a good quality knife cost?

A good quality knife usually costs about $50 to $150 for most home users, and that price range buys real performance without luxury markup. In kitchen knives, around $80 to $200 gets a strong midrange chef’s knife from a reputable brand. In pocket knives, around $50 to $150 covers many reliable daily carry models with decent steel and solid fit and finish. Above that range, you usually pay for better steel, finer grinding, premium handles, and brand reputation rather than a huge jump in basic usefulness. Very cheap knives can work, but quality control drops fast. A good knife should feel balanced, sharpen well, and hold an edge without constant maintenance.