Can you choose ONE attribute.

Value.

Every other attributes may change over time and it's totally subjective, but I think value to me is somewhat transcendent. A knife with good value is one I could always use or collect, and either way there is no buyer remorse.
 
Ergonomics, which to me includes a comfortable, tip-up clip, preferably tapped for both sides.
 
Now it's a backlock. But I suspect it's not for long. :D
Аs for me, I've gone through many fixations on different attributes. So lockback is just one of the steps on this path of consumerism. What's the next? I don't now. But i strongly beleve that are'nt tipdown, steel, automatic and... not sure.
 
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This might sound odd, but...

The ability to solve many different problems.

That's why I prefer multi-tools and Swiss Army Knives over single blade knives.

Need something sliced...no problem.
A screw needs tightened...no problem.
A splinter in the hand...no problem.
Nose hairs need trimmed...no problem.
Not a twist off cap...no problem.
 
Performance /value ratio .

Affordable functionality , for my needs .
 
fully tightened pivot screw not impacting action.

The Reason why I own a Small Sebenza 21 and a SpyderCo Para 3.
 
"Reliability" in being able to cut, when called upon.

This means in practice, a combination of toughness, no moving parts, a stable edge (convex micro-bevel) and versatile through a wide variety of materials / uses.

Once I have one of these reliable guys checked off, then the specialty blade shapes, appearance, sliciness, etc. get considered.
 
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For me the biggest factor is the quality of steel, and since steel is an alloy that could be made in lots of different ways. Key attributes in determining steel quality are :
  • Edge Retention,
  • Corrosion Resistance,
  • Toughness, and
  • Ease of Sharpening, etc. etc.
Besides steel quality, other factors could potentially include heat treat, geometry, ergos, "the cutting job at hand" ;)
 
Blade geometry. It has to be thin behind the edge for me to even think about using it for EDC.
 
Ergos for sure.

Doesn’t matter what shape the scales are, or what they’re made of, if it doesn’t feel good in the hand, it’s not gonna get a lot of use.

Steel can be sharpened. Aesthetics are subjective. Different blade shapes will serve different purposes. But fixed blade or folder, a tool needs to feel good when you use it.
 
Looks.
That one looks ergonomic
That one looks like a slicer
That would look good with a suit
The shape of the knife looks great
That lock up looks rock solid

If I don’t like the looks, I probably won’t even try it.
 
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