I would recommend a Becker, probably a Remora, for almost any kind of first try pimpin'.
Beckers are 1095, so you get to start out with an easy-working tool steel. They have big, flat surfaces that are easy to get to and work on, and they don't have a lot of them.
They're cheap to buy, so if you blow it completely, you're not out a lot of money.
Finally, if you get something you like, you actually have a useful knife to carry around, or to re-sell, and you should be able to make back the cost of the purchase, if not the time and labor you put into the refinish.
If you really want to lowball, buy an old kitchen knife at the thrift store or flea market. Just be aware that the steel quality in these is not the best. Some I've run into are very hard, and may be difficult to polish.