There is no perfect tool for every job. There is no perfect knife for every job. There are knives that do the job that they are designed for better than others.
What makes a good working knife?
The most important feature is that is not limited by it's intrinsic material and construction. My old EDC (Everyday Carry) knife failed when I tried to pry a staple out of a 2x6. It turns out that the lifetime guarentee is only against loss. I could lie and get a new one, but what good will that do if I NEED it and it breaks again?
The second most important feature is it's edge design. Does it fit where it needs to go? Does it cut what it needs to cut? Does it's design make the job easier or more difficult?
The third aspect of the design is safety. Does it have a guard to prevent you from slipping and slicing you hand? Is the handle indexed so that you can know where the edge is without being able to see it. Hunting and camping knives can be used in situations that interefere with vision and they can get wet and slip. A good knife must minimize the risks that it's user is exposed to.
The fourth priority is comfort. Will the knife make your life more difficult? Will it cause you to get sloppy, trying to use a less painful grip that is unstable? Sometimes this is determined by the knife's purpose, or it could be easily identified.
The last priority, which ideally would be irrelevant is transparency. How do you know that the knife is as good as you think?
How is it tested?
How many cuts of rope can you expect before having to sharpen it?
Does the edge have enough toughness to handle the needed task?
Will the blade hold up to lateral forces?
If the blade is forced too far will it bend or will it break?
Is the steel forged as well as it should be?
Is the blade guarenteed? What are the terms of the guarentee?
The handle of this knife is designed to fit your (I mean MY) hand.
