Shears for grooming a Lhasa at home?

I have a Lhasa that I have been grooming at home for about a year now. As I am becoming more comfortable, I have begun to purchase better equipment. Now I am at the point where I would like to start purchasing proper shears. Like most things that can cut (I am also a devoted home cook), I understand you get what you pay for in quality, sharpness, comfort, "heft", etc. but I have a few questions regarding shears:

First, which types of shears would be best to buy now and which can I wait on? I use a small clipper to do the hair on my dogs pads and between his toes. My dog is extremely well behaved when being groomed, even around his eyes/nose (if you let him smell the tool you're using first), so would I get any real benefit from purchasing ball point shears at some point? What length of shears would be most beneficial for grooming a Lhasa? What sort of metals or finishes make for high quality shears?

Second, are shears anything like knives- its better to purchase them on their own rather than in a set? I see "value" sets on Pet Edge for blending and straight shears, would I get actual use out of two pairs of straight shears (different lengths)? Would this be a waste of money *for me*?

Finally, I am looking for a reliable brand of shears that are very sharp but not like "I just cut off my finger looking at them" sharp in the price range of $40-70 (or a set $80-120). I groom my dog once every 3-8 weeks depending on the weather and what activities we're doing and I wouldn't want to have to have them sent out for sharpening more than once a year or every other year. I DO bathe my dog every single time before I do any work on him in case it matters. Is this a reasonable price for what I am looking for? I don't need specific "makes", just brands that carry reliable products within that range if they are available.

Thank you so much.
I forgot to add, I notice some brands list a hardness rating… is this important at all? What is a good rating for shears?
Lady, I already own a 2 speed Andis clipper (with snap ons) that I LOVE. Now I’m trying to find good shears (scissors), any suggestions?