I'd lean toward a fixed blade because it's reliable and you're less likely to cut yourself. I've had *locked* folders let go. No disaster yet, but I avoid folders for the most part.
There should be a bolster so you don't cut your pointer finger.
The blade should not be symmetric. I have one that's symmetric and it's shocking how often I pick it up wrong. At least make the handle so you have some tactile feedback if you have it backwards. Still, when you're in the thick of it and your hands are cold, seeing the blade's orientation seems to be important---at least for me. I suppose it's bad form to touch the top of the blade but I find myself doing it all the time.
I recommend either a 2.5-3 blade or for completely general purpose, 5-4" blades. You only use the base an tip of the knife most of the time but a 6" blade is long enough to use as a draw knife in a pinch.
Full tang is important to me. It make the handle creation easier.
Green River sells blanks for a reasonable price. They're 1095 steel, chromed, and very serviceble. They're not as flexible as a modern kitchen knife but it's fine for general work.
There should be a bolster so you don't cut your pointer finger.
The blade should not be symmetric. I have one that's symmetric and it's shocking how often I pick it up wrong. At least make the handle so you have some tactile feedback if you have it backwards. Still, when you're in the thick of it and your hands are cold, seeing the blade's orientation seems to be important---at least for me. I suppose it's bad form to touch the top of the blade but I find myself doing it all the time.
I recommend either a 2.5-3 blade or for completely general purpose, 5-4" blades. You only use the base an tip of the knife most of the time but a 6" blade is long enough to use as a draw knife in a pinch.
Full tang is important to me. It make the handle creation easier.
Green River sells blanks for a reasonable price. They're 1095 steel, chromed, and very serviceble. They're not as flexible as a modern kitchen knife but it's fine for general work.
