The first thing to think about with knife design is what you'll be using them for. Form follows function, is this a kitchen knife, EDC, chopper etc. The universal idea for all of them is that it cuts like crazy, in this regard I would recommend running your grinds almost up to the spine, this will improve your edge geometry by making the wedge shape you are pushing through material when you cut more tapered. Next up is handle design, this is the steering wheel, very important. Depending on the angle of the handle the blade will feel like an extension of your hand or not, the tip will seem too low, too high or just natural. Every contour should have a reason, palm swell and finger grooves should be making your hand land exactly where you want it to stay. If you grab the knife and then find yourself shuffling it back because it's choking up on the blade or forward because it's falling off the back it means you need to adjust the little point that should be riding between your second and third finger. Last but not least it aught to make you grin every time you see it, life's too short to carry (or make) an ugly knife. Look closely at knives that make you happy and try to find what lines you're loving and what you're hating. That's my two bits worth anyhow. Welcome to the wonderful world of knifemaking!
-HD
