Hi, I am new here but have been a fan of knives for years. I am interested in using the exchange forum here, but first I want to know the criteria for NIB, LNIB, MINT, and so on. I have a general idea of the condition of each, but they seem a bit ambiguous. Any help would be appreciated. Sorry if this has already been a topic.
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Meaning Of NIB, LNIB, MINT, USED, ABUSED
- Thread starter Fpooner
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i dont like to use those terms myself.
if they are being used, the condition of the knife should be reflected by that phrase.
ill label a knife as: unused, factory edge, uncarried, light use, etc.
mint, in my mind, means perfect, with not even factory defects. nib and lnib are a little less ambiguous, but im still not comfortable using those terms.
if they are being used, the condition of the knife should be reflected by that phrase.
ill label a knife as: unused, factory edge, uncarried, light use, etc.
mint, in my mind, means perfect, with not even factory defects. nib and lnib are a little less ambiguous, but im still not comfortable using those terms.
yablanowitz
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What the terms actually mean and how they are used are different things in many cases.
NIB - New In Box - should mean the knife has not been removed from the factory packaging. In reality, probably means it has only been taken out and admired.
LNIB - Like New In Box - should mean the knife has only been removed from the package to be examined/admired/photographed. In reality, probably means it has been handled, displayed and only used to open envelopes and the like, but not carried, scratched or sharpened.
MINT - Should mean as it left the factory. All original finish, original grinds, original edge, untouched by human hands since being packaged by the maker. From what I have seen, usually means the scratches have been buffed out. I especially loathe seeing "restored to mint condition". That is an oxymoron. It can be restored or it can be mint (original) but it can't be both.
USED - Should mean the knife has been carried and used in a manner consistent with its design, possibly having been properly sharpened as well. In reality, can mean almost anything except new. Expect some scratches on the blades and probably needs sharpening. Handles may need cleaning, bolsters will likely be fogged/scratched, pocket clips will show scratches/wear.
ABUSED - Should mean the knife has been used in a manner other than it was designed for. In most cases, it means damaged. Expect broken tips, nicked or chipped edges, loose handles, blades that appear to have been sharpened on a bench grinder, etc.
I'm sure my definitions will provoke some cries of outrage, but I call 'em as I see 'em. Some people are doubtless honest enough to decribe their wares accurately, and those people are a pleasure to deal with. Others tend to describe their wares a grade higher than they really are. In most cases, it has more to do with their pride in what they are offering than trying to bilk someone out of a few extra dollars. If at all possible, get clear, focused, well-lit photographs and examine them carefully, or be prepared to suffer the consequences of buying sight unseen from someone you've never met through an anonymous medium.
NIB - New In Box - should mean the knife has not been removed from the factory packaging. In reality, probably means it has only been taken out and admired.
LNIB - Like New In Box - should mean the knife has only been removed from the package to be examined/admired/photographed. In reality, probably means it has been handled, displayed and only used to open envelopes and the like, but not carried, scratched or sharpened.
MINT - Should mean as it left the factory. All original finish, original grinds, original edge, untouched by human hands since being packaged by the maker. From what I have seen, usually means the scratches have been buffed out. I especially loathe seeing "restored to mint condition". That is an oxymoron. It can be restored or it can be mint (original) but it can't be both.
USED - Should mean the knife has been carried and used in a manner consistent with its design, possibly having been properly sharpened as well. In reality, can mean almost anything except new. Expect some scratches on the blades and probably needs sharpening. Handles may need cleaning, bolsters will likely be fogged/scratched, pocket clips will show scratches/wear.
ABUSED - Should mean the knife has been used in a manner other than it was designed for. In most cases, it means damaged. Expect broken tips, nicked or chipped edges, loose handles, blades that appear to have been sharpened on a bench grinder, etc.
I'm sure my definitions will provoke some cries of outrage, but I call 'em as I see 'em. Some people are doubtless honest enough to decribe their wares accurately, and those people are a pleasure to deal with. Others tend to describe their wares a grade higher than they really are. In most cases, it has more to do with their pride in what they are offering than trying to bilk someone out of a few extra dollars. If at all possible, get clear, focused, well-lit photographs and examine them carefully, or be prepared to suffer the consequences of buying sight unseen from someone you've never met through an anonymous medium.
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NIB = New In Box. Unused
Mint = Basically the same as above.
LNIB = For me this means I may have carried it once (mention this in the sale thread), cut some minor stuff (envelopes, paper test, string). It's in "new" condition but it has been used.
Used = Carried and used. Some scratches, some sharpening, the knife is functional.
Abused = Pocket prybar, I don't know of anyone listing a knife as abused.
Mint = Basically the same as above.
LNIB = For me this means I may have carried it once (mention this in the sale thread), cut some minor stuff (envelopes, paper test, string). It's in "new" condition but it has been used.
Used = Carried and used. Some scratches, some sharpening, the knife is functional.
Abused = Pocket prybar, I don't know of anyone listing a knife as abused.
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That is my thought as well. But if I'm going to sell something NIB on the
Exchange, I make sure first it doesn't have ANY problems. Then I call it NIB
Sometimes you'll see a percentage such as 90% added to this.
Meaning that the knife is in 90% out of 100% of being new. If that makes sense.
Or they'll list (with pictures) what is exactly wrong or right with the knife.
mike
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I just don't understand how you could have 90% of a knife left. Does it have an expiration date?
I list knives with a condition (NIB/LNIB/Used) and then proceed to describe exactly what I've done with the knife. Some I've just left in the box, some have been carried or rolled into a padded pouch. I don't think you could say that the knife has a life expectancy unless it's something for a collectors grade knife with visible neglect or damage.
yablanowitz
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Usually the percentage refers to several things. One is the amount of the blade left. Using and sharpening blades wears them away. I have knives that have only 40% to 50% of the blade left from use. I've seen knives with less than that left. Another thing it may refer to is original finish. Anodizing, Tufram coating, and blade coatings can all wear away. How much is left? 99% means very little has worn away, 50% means half the finish is gone, etc.
Knives may not have an expiration date or shelf life, but they certainly have a life expectancy and a finite useful lifespan. I'll grant you that for the average user, that life is likely to be longer than the owner's, but some of us have actually used up knives.
Knives may not have an expiration date or shelf life, but they certainly have a life expectancy and a finite useful lifespan. I'll grant you that for the average user, that life is likely to be longer than the owner's, but some of us have actually used up knives.
Absintheur
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I would go along with what has been said with just a couple of exceptions. To me New in Box can only come from a maker, distributor, or dealer. If it has been sold for retail and owned by an individual it can be LNIB if it has never been carried or used or has zero wear or marks.
New in Box means it is new...not used. Anything owned by a consumer is considered used. I ran into this all the time as a firearms dealer, just working the action a few times creates marks...it can be LNIB but it is no longer "New".
New in Box means it is new...not used. Anything owned by a consumer is considered used. I ran into this all the time as a firearms dealer, just working the action a few times creates marks...it can be LNIB but it is no longer "New".