I have my grandfathers set of old school Dexter Russel butchers knives, and wouldnt trade them for the world. I know they are still made in the USA but I doubt the same steel is bieng used. Most of my set is stain free high carbon steel.
i picked up a dexter russel boning knife and a skinning knife from cayards in br. i know there is another kitchen supply in hammond also that sells dexters and forstners iirc. i haven't gotten to put mine to use yet as deer season isn't here yet but they appear to be good knives for the money. http://www.cayards.com/
oh and cayards was top notch on customer service probably the best cs i've had possibly ever.
Check Smoky Mountain Knife Works. They get "blemished" knives or small batches of prototypes occasionally that they sell for cheap. I got a 3 pack of Henckels knives for $10 because the factory made a few, decided to change the pattern of ridges on the plastic handle, then sold Smoky Mountain the ones they had already produced for what they had in them.