As a custom knife maker, I can tell you that you need to decide on the steel based on the use. After reading this, it sounds like you want more of a heirloom, conversation, show knife rater than one that will be a service/utility, survival knife. I dont want to offend but thats the vibe Im getting.
There is no bad or wrong reason to get another knife. I myself have more than 100 of them. I tell people, based on the use, do this.
1. pick a blade form (shape)
2. pick a size
3. pick a steel
4. pick a quality sheath (based on usage, leather for show, Kydex and rugged fabric for utility)
I always recommend carbon steel over stainless. Stainless is too soft and gummy for my tastes but its less likely to rust. 1095, A1, D2 are some great carbon options but you will have to tend to it more than stainless.
If you are going to use a Havalon anyway, the fixed blade knife you pick maybe wont get used all that often so unless you have a lot of disposable income, a custom knife might not be a wise option. Dont worry about how the knife arrives and what the shipping container looks like. you will throw that away in the first hour. The knife lasts a lifetime.