Knives are… complex tools! Their performance depends in many aspects things such the alloy steel used, heat treatment, the geometry of the blade,  balance and the handle material. In fact, you can’t know how a knife will perform even if you know that it uses a great steel or has a great shape. The only way to find out is to actually use the knife. With that said, which is usually impossible, look for blade geometry (thickness behind the edge, tapering etc), steel and hardness, weight, blade finish and handle material in order to take the best decision possible.