For me Michael Janich pretty much summed up my general criteria/expectations. As he mentioned, ideally the design has a matching trainer/drone, which is critical if you expect be proficient with your tool from drawing, deploying to usage be it cutting or impact. I am especially critical on handle length and shape of the knife butt since my we must be aware of the force continuum and that cutting is not always an option and may need to use the tool for impact rather than cutting.
Like firearms, no single knife will satisfy everyone’s requirements. Several knives that work well for me are Emerson Commander, Benchmade Griptilian and Bram Frank’s Gunting/LLC. Ergonomically the LLC/Gunting and Emerson full size Commander work well for my hand and carry method.
LLC/Gunting
Emerson Commander (Mini live, full size trainer)
Benchmade Griptilian![](http://kevininstructor.home.comcast.net/~kevininstructor/knifeImages/Griptilian.jpg)