Bare-wood handles may be particularly vulnerable. Coated, waterproof wood handles resist moisture better. Traditionalists tend to favor riveted handles, but our tests uncovered no drawbacks in molded handles. How carefully the handle is made and how it feels are important considerations. The knife should feel neither too heavy nor too light.
Balance is especially important in a heavy knife.
If you don't mind the upkeep, the knives we tested that need honing are, for the most part, the better choice. But they're a bit heavy, so try them out in the store. Although not acutely sharp, they're as durable as serrated knives.