Definition of LNIB

J

joe25

Joined
Jan 23, 2000
Messages
15
I purchased a Spyderco R from a gentleman on this forum last month. The description was (Spyderco "R" - LNIB great knife, discontinued model). When I received the knife, the spine of the blade had a deep file mark above the Spyderco hole. I found out from Spyderco later that this knife was a second which also was not in the description. To me, LNIB means a few scratches here and there on the knife but not a deep file mark on the blade. The gentleman claims he did not misrepresent the knife but I disagree. To make matters worse, he is not answering any of my e-mails after he agreed to give me a credit on the knife.

What is your definition of LNIB?
 
LNIB stands for Like New In Box, so when I take the knife out of the package I don't want to see a scratch or blemish of ANY sort on it. LNIB would be a new knife that cut a piece of paper to test sharpness or was oiled. Other than this I cannot see how someone can justify selling a knife under that category.
 
This is a common type of problem.Opinions can differ greatly when it comes to knife condition.First; I must say if the person is honorable,they will let you return the knife for a refund based on differing opinions on condition.Second;Not disclosing the knife is a "second" before a deal to purchase was made,is totally unethical!!Just based on the fact it is a second unknown to you,he should refund your money.Not answering e-mails could be a tech problem,but under these circumstances,sound a little convient.My definition of LNIB is very close to NIB.THe blade might have been handled or carried a few times,perhaps used lightly to open a few envelopes etc.IT should have no rust,major scratches,dings,dentsor handling marks.AS far as the edge goes,it should still have a factory sharp edge.There should be no finish missing ie;anodization etc.In fact it should be difficult to tell it apart from brand new.I think you are getting the shaft,from your account of the deal.I hope things work out for you.
 
I don't think anyone buying LNIB expects a second. I don't believe anyone selling a second should say it is LNIB. It isn't. Its a second.
G.
 
Tombstone, it's funny. You have dealt with the same gentleman recently and had a very positive result. I am still hoping that this gentleman in question will still do the right thing.
 
I would think the Like New In Box, means just that. It would be new, no scatches, chips, rust, discoloration ect.... I have traded several knives on line all have been carried but taken care of. I'll discribe the knife as it is. Most if they have been carried, have some pocket clip wear and or other very minor blemishes so I say that. I would not want one of my fellow Forumites to think that I was "cheating" them out of a deal.
 
NIB, New In Box, has a quasi-legal definition established by the National Knife Collector's Association: the knife is in Mint Condition (which is also defined by NKCA), is in the origial packaging, and includes all original factory accessories (sheath, etc.) and collateral materials (manual of any sort, warranty card, etc.,).

LNIB has no offcial definition. When someone deviates from the NKCA-standard terminology, it's probably because they've got something to hide.
 
I've always used it just like it sounds:

A knife that is completely like new, all original packaging, etc except that it isn't technically new. For example, a knife that is maybe a little older, or has been sold once or twice, or was carried with no wear, etc. I think that the main idea is that the knife is completely and utterly in new condition, but some technicality keeps it from actually being considered "new".
 
NIB, New, the blade never opened, action never worked, all papers included, any seals or factory packing undisturbed.

LNIB Maybe the blade's been opened once, GENTLY, leaving no marks, the knife is otherwise UNTOUCHED from factory shipping, box and or papers missing.

That's just my opinion of course, and we all know the story on opinions, but if I BUY a knife listed as LNIB that's what I expect, and I'll make that clear to the seller before I buy. If I sell, that's exactly what you'll get. If a whetstone has touched it, or the factory edge is gone from test cutting or anything else, it may be "Excellent" but it can't possibly be LNIB to me.
 
Been there done that. Bought a "LNIB" custom folder with rusty screws on the scales and a stripped screw on the pivot. I didn't press the issue then because of the distance and shipping hassle but boy, was I :mad: for days.

Andrew Limsk
 
I feel LNIB should mean it looks new. Perhaps most fitting for those blades obtained second hand (where the exact use history is unknown but the blade looks untouched) or those that do not come in a "box" (customs, busse, etc...).
 
LNIB to me means the knife has been handled lightly, but not used. I'll accept a cut paper or a shaven hair, that's just gentle blade testing. But there are no blemishes, no wear marks, and definitely never drawn across any sharpening system.

Many times I've seen (and used) "LNIB except X". You can still say LNIB, but add the disclaimer that there is one careless scratch, or chafe on the side of the blade in the case of an OTF that's been fired more than twice.

To be honest, if the knife is in perfect condition except for the file mark then it could still qualify as "LNIB except file mark near spydiehole...." inserting whatever the seller knew about the reason for the file mark.

If it was strictly "LNIB" with no disclaimer, then the seller would have to prove that he/she thought all versions of that knife included the nick.
 
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