Re: tactical knives
There are multiple custom makers who make absolutely superb knives in the tactical and semi-tactical design range.
Look for heavier duty steel, durable and rust resistant finishes and scales (replaceable scales a nice feature as well) with a good design. I wouldn't say striders are the be-all end-all of tactical knives like many say. That being said they are superb tools.
After grinding a few myself and owning some custom blades, I like to find the ones a little less common.
Landi Knives is one I use personally, a MPM. Its not a complete tactical design however I have the crinkle black finish with tan g-10 scales and for its size its incredible tough.The prices and the grinding are superb.
My suggestion, take a looka round, look for a reputable maker, and go from there.
Off the shelf the gerber LMF is a great blade, cold steel, SOG and a few others as well offer great production blades if thats the route you wanna go. Once you go custom though you usually don't go back.
(sorry about the crap quality)