A well designed knife has a curve from the bolster to the tip to allow you to rock the knife as you dice. Take a look at The Chef's Store's selection of Trident Knives on sale this month. The Messermeister San Moritz knife with its modern handle is a beautiful selection and Messermeister stamped knifes are the best you can find. Copper conducts and distributes heat extraordinarily fast. Chefs use copper as they can literally control the heat by moving the pan closer or further away from a flame.
Copper is expensive.
Copper is the way to go for high function and appearance. Cast iron is a great conductor of heat. A cast iron Dutch Oven is a dream to cook in. But you have to be careful. Cast iron retains heat and being very heavy, requires you to handle them with great caution.