Good brand names like Sorby, Hurricane, and other HSS cutting tools can be purchased and resharpened with great economy and results. Cheap tool sets (the starter sets- 8 knives for $70.00 are ok to learn on, but you may never keep them sharp enough and will outgrow them very quickly. Then your wife will say, "Why are you buying more gouges, you already have some?" you will have to admit to doing something stupid, (which you won't) and the fight is ON! Buy top quality used and you start out ahead of the game!