Military/First Responder Knife Question

[M.FREEZE]

To all the guys/gals that are military or first responders- what aspect of blade steel is the most important to you? I'm talking about a fixed blade knife. Also, can you please tell me if you use your knife strictly for cutting chores or do you use your knife for other applications such as hammering or boring holes in various materials.

Edge Holding?
Toughness?
Ease if sharpening?
...etc...?

Thanks

 

[tirod3]

Can it hold an edge? Primary because it was used on lots of dirty gritty materials that dull other knives. And the accompanying feature, can it sharpen easily? After that, a matte blade that doesn't get shiny, or peel the color off. The tip can't break off doing stupid stuff, and it should be easy to choke up on for finer cutting. Drop point for getting under webbing or fabric without cutting what was underneath.

The military knife I used the most was the Glock field knife, and now I would like an ESEE Laser strike. Pretty much the same thing, a Kephardt spear point, plain and simple. Bigger get left in the duffel, plus there are tools usually somewhere like a shovel or axe. Smaller can be a folder. 5-6" does it for a knife. It needs an sturdy sheath, leather isn't enough, kydex or molded plastic.