How about replacing the battery for the Thermoblade to replace the durability mechanism? So after 50 hits or whenever the Thermoblade is supposed to break, then the Thermoblade needs a new battery. The Hardened Knife could just have a 10% to 20% damage increase compared to the Survival Knife.
For example, I think damage to your subs and mechs should decrease it's overall health, so you can't repair it all the way unless you have scrap metal on you or four titanium.
Last time I checked the broken knife ends up in your inventory. It could be improved (Adding a station to fix broken knives) and give broken knives a texture. Thermoblades could have batteries and durability. There are plenty of things to add/fix.
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For example, I think damage to your subs and mechs should decrease it's overall health, so you can't repair it all the way unless you have scrap metal on you or four titanium.
That was rather fascinating, thank you for sharing.
How much does the point that the knife in-game is made from titanium instead of steel change the algorithm though?