Welcome to the forums.
First, abandon the idea that "forged" = "better". It's nothing more than marketing hype, and has no basis in fact.
Second, all knives will get dull and require sharpening. The point at which it needs to be sharpened depends not only on the knife, but on the perceptions of the person using it. Some of the members here would consider a knife "dull" that other people would consider sharp. I would strongly suggest that you get a combination stone and include it with the knife for your co-worker.
Now, as to an under $50 knife as a gift, a Forschner/Victorinox is probably your best bet. Add a 1k/6k King combo stone and you're set.
Rick