I have been EDCing a S30V Blur for several years now, probably 3-4.

I noticed the liner lock was slightly peened over and it would be sticky when closing. I dressed it with a jewelers file and moved on.

That was probably a year ago. Do liner locks ever wear out? I don't stab things like an idiot but I wonder if replacing it every 3-4 years is worth it.

I wish I got 14C28N. RIP Leek.

Anything with constant metal to metal contact will wear down over time.  Even the frame lock designs have this problem, that's why the better ones have a removable insert/bushing that rests at the end of the pivot finger, contacting the camming lobe on the blade proper.

Chris

The insert is typically so you have a steel to steel contact instead of a titanium to steel contact.  The titanium and steel contact will wear faster and tends to be sticky.

Yes, Liner locks tend to wear quickly when new and then stabilize and wear slowly for a long time. Eventually, they will wear out. Flipping or opening very hard like an emerson wave wears them out very quickly. As mentioned, frame locks will do the same thing. Lockbacks will wear out as well and have even less room for error.

The only lock type I have not had wear out and loosen is axis.