I like the idea of having a personal "survival" knife. A single knife that is versatile enough to handle any task, tough enough to survive any environment, and still practical enough to be carried everywhere I go.

I like frame locks because they are mechanically simple, therefore reliable, and because they are strong. I like titanium frames for their strength and light weight. I like a blade that won't rust but will still hold a great edge, which means Talonite or Stellite. My favorite blade shape is a recurve because it does so many different tasks well. I like guards to protect my hands. And a 4" blade is my best compromise between utility, defense, comfort, and carry limits.

Knifesmith Darrel Ralph made me a knife that not only meets all of my criteria, but looks good while doing it.

Dirk Pinkerton drilled and tapped the handle so the clip can be reversed.