Uses - is completely situational for me.
EDC? Usually opening packages.
Gentleman's knife? opening packages, domestic emergencies like hanging thread, freeing caught hair, anything chivalrous.
Fishing? Generally filleting but also trimming baits or cutting line.
Hunting? Probably needs to be the most versatile for me. Cleaning and skinning game, caping often requires a different knife, preparing a fire, food prep, butchering, quartering, cutting up my dinner...
Value points - generally starts with if I find the knife has aesthetic appeal. Which for me immediately disqualifies anything "tactical", menacing, (karambits need not apply) ostentatious, over-built, or under-thought-out. Designing a knife based only on being unique, is a poor excuse to make a knife. The idea of a knife without a point I find rather absurd. Have seem some lately that seem to be modeled on a sharpened brick.
The skill in manufacture is high on my list. No slack for a budget priced knife. The quality level may have a sliding point of reference, but junk is junk at any price. I love finding a high value / price gem.
Size - the bigger, the "worser". Not a fan of big knives of any sort. If I need a machete, I'll pick one up at it will be to hack at brush. Likewise, there is such a thing as too small. I have very large hands. 5" overall is about the minimum of useful size for me, though I do have a couple of SAKs and a fixed blade that are below that. They are the rare exception. Much more a novelty than effective size. Generally 6-9" OAL is my limit for any knife.
Weight- Not a fan of overbuilt. Pocket bricks are not in my wheelhouse.
Blade shape - Drop point is probably my favorite, Clip point, Trailing point, Spear Point, Dagger, Fillet, Double edge, Wharncliffe, sheepsfoot all work. I favor thinner blades over thick stock, though there is always time and place.
Steel- have to credit / blame BF for my becoming more aware and more fickle in my steel preferences. My brain doesn't work in terms of "favorites" but it does work in terms of what it does not like.
My standards have definitely been raised since hanging out in BF. Thanks guys! (I think)
Blade finish, I like both kinds, Satin and Mirror. Coated blades, do nothing for me.
Sheaths - have a huge affect on my purchases. If the sheath is junk, I figure the knife is too. I prefer leather. Take Kydex only when I have to. Just doesn't have the warmth or character of a well crafted leather sheath.
I prefer flippers over thumb studs, Thumb studs over thumb holes, but do not have a preference of flippers to nail nick.
What I don't care much about are things like how something is being executed. But that I mean, I really don't care what kind of pivot system did the maker use. Does it work? Expensive bearings on a flipper that won't flip won't impress. BP washers used and the flip action is beautiful, works for me. I love the idea of a front flipper, but have yet to find a real workable version of a front flipper. The ones I have or tried are too awkward to open.
I am less concerned about the type of lock a knife may have, than how reliable it is. Engage every time? If not, it is questionable at least, if not an outright failure. Far more important than requiring it to be Liner, Frame, Friction, Plunge, or Ring lock. Is the lock well designed? Have seen some that are actually quite difficult to disengage.
I also don't have a preference for grind type, other than if it works for the design of the knife. Flat, Hollow, Convex, Scandi, Sword, all have their place. None are the best choice for all blade and edge geometries. I would at least highly question a traditional folder with a thick blade and a scandi grind. It might work, but you'd have to show me.
All that being said, the knives that are at the top of my list are:
Bird & Trout knives
Hunting knives
Caping knives
Gentleman's knives
Modern traditionals
Traditional
Puukkos
Boot knives
Daggers
Of course a lot of that could change tomorrow.
