I make my knives with full, rounded handles that have no hot spots so the knife feels comfortable in use. I like to include a sharp, piercing point backed by a solid triangle of metal, a decent curve to the cutting edge and some way of protecting the fingers from slipping forward. Field knives need a good knife sheath. I make knife sheaths part of the package, tooled and dyed 3mm to 4mm thick top grade leather, complimenting the look of the knife. I also use Kydex for some sheaths. For more on how I make a knife go to my Making a Handmade Knife Page. Another thing I like to emphasise is that a handmade knife or a custom made knife is like a tool in a toolbox. Each one does a particular job well. For example, you wouldn't use a fine bladed skinning knife to chop tent pegs or a pocket knife to cut the veg. Different knives do different jobs, so take my advice and get yourself more than one !