Bad ergonomics. If the knife feels uncomfortable in the hand and in use, it doesn't last. Recently, I've seen plenty of knives that are absolute ergonomic disasters. It makes me wonder if some makers are completely forgetting about that entirely.
Bad blade grind. If a folding knife has overly thick stock, and the grind to match it doesn't stay. It's funny since the "overbuilt genre" came into the forefront some makers go out of their way to design knives that look like Sci-Fi props more than efficient cutting tools. A knife must be able t cut, in order to be a knife. Otherwise it's a folding "thing".
Everyone has their own idea of what makes a beautiful knife design. In my eyes, severe asymmetrical design does not look appealing at all. I've seen folders with the pivot screw way too close to the edge of the handle (for my liking of course). Poorly designed pocket clips, bad pocket clip placement, poorly designed locking mechanisms. When the tip of the blade protrudes from the handle is also not acceptable.
Made in China. It is simply not my thing. I will buy knives made in Italy, Spain, South America, and other European countries, but not China. Taiwan is fine, but then again that is NOT China.
Crappy heat treat on an otherwise excellent steel. Why use a high end steel only to run it super soft? Makes no sense to me.
Price can be an automatic disqualifier, especially when the end product is nothing special compared to other manufacturers in the same market.
