What´s your absolutely MUST when buying a new knife?

I'm starting to lean towards US made knives. The knife/knives must also have a good warranty and customer service.

The price must be reasonable and justifiable which is why I no longer buy CRKT knives and have never purchased any SOG knives. I can't justify spending around $60-$100+ for AUS 8 or anything that isn't of better quality.
 
My requirements, in this order:

1) I have to have a use for it
2) It has to be good quality
3) I have to like it (ergos, looks, all get lumped in here)
4) I have to think it's worth the money (more "value" than absolute price)
5) Wife has to say yes (if the price is above our "impulse buy" threshold)

Everything else is negotiable. I mean everything, it all depends on what I have in mind for the knife- ex. some people say they won't buy anything that isn't set up for tip-up carry... but what if all I want is a seat belt cutter to live in my glove box? (Then tip-up is meaningless, but one-handed opening is a MUST, etc)
 
First thing I do is grab the blade to see if it wiggles when open. I hate blade play....... that should be my user name! :D
 
I have to have a real use for it. (no investment or safe queen purchases)
It must have high "price vs. performance" value. (no "msrp" purchases)
I will not spend more than $200 on a single blade. (exceeded this once and once only)


tip up/down is irrelevant. i never clip in pocket and fast deployment is irrelevant.
i don't care if it takes two hands to open, just as long as i don't need pliers to pull it out.
i don't care where it's made just as long as it's well made.
i am aware of, but i don't get anal about steels; good knifes/brands use good steels, period.
i have no problem buying a cheap knife (for cheap jobs), but it will be at an even cheaper price.
 
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