I researched the subject of a serious utility/survival knife off and on for a couple of decades or so and have compiled what I think is a pretty good list of parameters. This is basically garnered from my limited experience where I used knives in the sticks a fair amount (Alaska & lower 48, Central & South America, Africa, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Iraq, Australia, New Zealand, etc), but it seems to correlate with the consensus of many highly skilled outdoorsmen, survival instructors and military operators. Remember, this is a survival/utility knife, not a fighting knife (for that take a look at a real bowie or Khukuri/Kukri)
>Fixed blade
>5" maximum length (4" to 4 1/2" seems to be what most, including me, consider about ideal)
>Extremely strong/as unbreakable as possible
>Continuous curvature cutting surface - i.e. continuous curve from tip to ricasso
>Sabre/Scandi grind
>Thin enough to be slightly flexible - 1/8" to 5/32" thick seems to be about ideal
>Full tang
>Flat pommel
>Straight spine out to point (I prefer no drop or clip point) for easier use with baton ("batoning")
>Hole (1/8" - 5/32" dia) in blade about 1/2" from tip just above the grind for shearing
>Unbreakable, non-slip, comfortable, ergonomic handle
>Two or three holes or so in handle for lashing
>Weight: 8 ounces or less
>Tough, durable sheath with good retention; ideally will have sharpening stone and flint/magnesium pouches/holders and a few tie down points integrated into it
Alloy choice is vast, but I like something that is easy to sharpen and which will spark readily and profusely; this means a carbon steel which isn't very corrosion resistant and is more maintenance, but l'm okay with that.
CB