Top 5 things you look for in a knife

Tip up carry. If not, I look for a knife that can be drilled and tapped for a tip up clip.

Wave opener. If it does not have a wave, I look for a knife with enough real estate (thumb ramp, Spyderhole) to cut a wave into.

Framelock. If not, it must have thick liners for a liner lock.
 
1. Materials used
2. Looks
3. Maker and rep
4. User feedback
5. price

A lot more goes into it because I am very picky but thats the main stuff.
 
1) ergonomics
2) materials
3) blade steel & heat treat
4) lock design & quality
5) company reputation
 
What I look for depends on what I am spending. At the $200 tier you mention I look at:

-Lock type and strength

-Blade shape and grind (want a high or full flat grind)

-Tip up carry a must

-Pivot strength

-Blade material (154cm and the like won't cut it at this price point. I want S30V or better.)

I also will try to handle the knife and check a few other things.

For liner and frame locks I see if I can compress the handles together since if you can it may weaken the lock engagement.

I check how smooth the action is and if the knife has a strong closing detent.

Based on my criteria I would give the ZT line up a good look if I were you. Also Spyderco at the lower end of the range.
 
shape and size
steel and hardness
handle material

in no particular order. any one of these failed, it will not be my choice.

I don't mind other things
 
1. QC (F & F)
2. Handle material
3. Blade material/ H-T
4. Blade lock
5. Can the clip be removed?

Stainz
 
Handle (shape/ergonomics, materials, full tang)
Blade Steel and Heat Treatment
Blade Grind, Edge Geometry, Thickness, and Symmetry
Overall Aesthetics, and Fit & Finish
How the company treats its customers

If I were allowed 6, and for fixed blades in specific: the Sheath.
 
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1- Company / brand reputation
2- Blade steel
3- If a folder , material used to make the frame( ie titanium , steel or aluminum)
4- Painted or anodized frame and the type of material added to the handle ( ie g10, bone stage etc)
5- Price

And my folder recommendation would be the sprint run Kershaw Tyrade in G10. They only cost $80 , but are worth twice that. You can buy something else too.
 
1. size / features
2. ergonomics
3. blade grind (Hollow, Flat, etc.)
4. aesthetics
5 manufacturer (customer service, warranty)

I also prefer knives made in the USA. (Kershaw, Buck). Its not a deal breaker if its not, but if I can't decide between two knives it does make a difference.
 
Quality/ Testing, do they really test their knives and back it up.
Toughness/Blade thickness
Blade Shape/Steel
Warranty/ Customer Service, how well they stand behind their product.
Lock Strength on a Folder
 
1) ergonomics
2) blade steel & heat treat
3) materials
4) lock design & quality
5) company reputation
 
Blade hole opener
Tip up carry
Strong lock (frame, compression, axis-like)
useful blade shape (dropped or clip are faves)
overall feel
 
I dont think any one except for jpalmer mentioned anything about comfortability. I look for that and the overall look and expecially the price. I'm a cheap knife buyer. haha
 
Company/Maker reputation
Blade steel
Lock type/material
Tip up option
Uniqueness (Limited Run if production?)
Style/ergonomics

Not knowing what type of knife you're looking for or what you intend on using it for, I can't make a recommendation.
 
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