Budget chef knife collection options under £50 provide functional performance for home cooks and training kitchens. Victorinox Fibrox knives use high-carbon stainless steel rated 56 HRC with slip-resistant handles. Mercer Culinary offers professional-grade stamped blades at competitive prices. Basic sets include 3-5 essential knives for £60-100. Blade steel typically uses X50CrMoV15 or similar compositions. Edge retention lasts 2-4 months between sharpenings. These knives suit everyday tasks despite lacking premium features. Proper care extends lifespan to 3-5 years.