There is a big difference between a heavy unicrown chromoly fork as found on low end bikes, and a frame-builder's lugged fork in Reynolds or Columbus steel. I ride good steel forks on and off road, they are strong, light and comfortable. Reynolds make their 531 fork in racing or touring guage steel. As a lightweight, I find the touring guage a bit too heavy for my use.
For 28-32mm tyres, make sure it is spaced for either:
Shimano dual pivot long drop calipers
or
cantelevers.
I use both, but I think the dual pivots are much better.

Threaded fender eyelets are useful option.
You can get one from any decent frame-builder, see Henryjames.com.