It's not just a knife...

I like the weight to be good for the size of the blade. A small knife shouldn't outweigh my Spirit X. Likewise with a large knife. Don't need it to be so light I forget it's in my pocket. Big knives have to have the right balance, too. Little blade heavy in my personal preference.

Often I use them to help myself look sexy, that is sexier than I already am which is tough
Seriously though, I cut open tons of packages, cut tons of paracord, skin animals occasionally, and sometimes I use my tomahawks to kill slithering snakes, I also throw my blades from time to time.

A knife for me, like my other gear is an accessory. Not necessarily a fashion item, but kind of. I prefer my knives to be beautiful or artistic or creative or unique.

I tried for a while to find the perfect knife. I should have listened to Short when he told me I was a fucking idiot. Since I've given up on perfection I've focused on visual appeal. The only real requirement are small size and a fucking hole in the blade.

I'm not really a blade snob. I prefer simple. Simple meaning edge retention. D2, S30V, VG10 are all good IMO. I agree with Ogre that AUS8 is junk. I don't need shiny or SS or super steel. I'm good with carbon or unnamed as long as the edge holds up.

Finally fuck you warranty*. I must have screw construction so I can take my knife apart. I want to take it apart. Just because is a good enough reason.

*read Fuck You Strider for forcing me to pay +$200+ for a warranty.

I don't recommend you take apart a IKBS knife, you might go nuclear.