Features?

[cut it out]

full tang, 5/32 to 3/16 and lanyard and fit my hands and a good sheath!!!! the sheath can really make or break it for me if I dont feel it is secure I wont use it till I get one.

 

[Mistwalker]

....the sheath can really make or break it for me if I dont feel it is secure I wont use it till I get one.

Good point, I neglected that one as I was mainly talking about the knives themselves...but I too have had knives I didn't carry as much as I'd like because of different issues with the sheaths.

 

[cut it out]

I have 2 knives I love but really dont carry cuz of the sheath issues. I really need to get some made for them. I use them around home but dont take them in the woods because I dont feel safe and secure. personally a good sheath is really high on importance, It pertects you and the knife and keeps it from being loss.

 

[Gossman Knives]

On smaller fixed blades I'm really liking the stainless CPM steels like CPM154. Got a new one on the way to try out, CPMS 35VN. Slightly contoured micarta scales and lanyard holes.
Scott

 

[PayetteRucker]

On smaller fixed blades I'm really liking the stainless CPM steels like CPM154.Scott

I don't have a ton of user experience with CPM steels, but have surpassed my high carbon fanboyism for ATS34, BG42 and AUS-8 when it comes to user stainless.

 

[mete]

A 4" blade , slight drop point , straight handle . A good SS like CPM154. Checkered rubber handle for a real non-slip grip.
My old Cold Steel stainless Master Hunter comes very close as a very practical knife for an off the shelf knife.
For a custom I'd pick a stabilized maple burl handle with shape designed by me.