A few years ago, after the founders of the company I’ve worked for for eight years sold it, I received a financial reward. I wasn’t an employee, but I was treated like one until the very end.

After receiving the money, I decided to buy two things: one I’d have for my whole life and another that would help me start a side hustle. I bought a Leatherman Charge because I thought it would outlive me and a Prusa Mini+ 3D printer.

The Leatherman should have continued to symbolize hard work and remind me to do so. But in the meantime, I fell in love with the thing and how it felt in my hands and pockets, and I took it everywhere.

I even took it sailing with me a few times. But last autumn, there were a few big waves, and I forgot to wash away the salt and oil on the tool. The salted water seemed to have gotten into a few joints, and there were signs of rust everywhere along the joints.

I only discovered this after a few months, as the tool remained unused for most of the winter. I then spent some time loathing what to do with the rust and how I failed to properly maintain one of my most essential tools.

I then decided to open the multitool, mechanically all the rust, oil the thing, and frame it so I wouldn’t forget this lesson. Even the tools meant to survive a lifetime are nothing without maintenance.