If you are just starting out, go ahead, buy a cheaper set of knives.  Get to know the different kinds of knives. The basic set with steak knives to the chef knife will be enough for your needs. This would include about 10 to 12 knives total. You will know what I mean when you see it. 

I still use the sharpening rod for almost all my knives. Not the serrated ones though. Straight blades only.  If you don’t know what a sharpening rod is, ask you local hardware guy. I'll bet he will know. (Or, ask me.) Every time you use the knife simply run the blade over the sharpening rod a few times. Back and forth, away from you.  You will always have a nice sharp blade.

As I said before: Get to know your knives. Protect them! Your knives will love you back. They will become welcome friends in your hand, not something you need to be afraid of. You will become one with that knife. Be very careful with the big ones and the paring knives. Just because they are little does not mean they cannot do real damage. They are weapons. They are meant to cut things. Do your best to understand that it’s the meat, fruit, vegetable or bone that knife is meant to chop, dice, slice, or mince through. Not you. Knives take learning. There is no other way to explain knives. Get to know your knives. Become one with that knife. Hold it with confidence and it will always follow your lead. Your knives are willing to serve. Direct them in the way they should go.